The Hejaz region was formerly under the Mamluk Sultanate until its defeat and take over by the Ottomans in 1517.[15] In the same year, Sharif Barakat of Mecca acknowledged the Ottoman Sultan as Caliph.[2] When the Sharifs accepted Ottoman sovereignty, the Sultan confirmed them in their position as rulers of the Hejaz.[16] Ottoman authority was only indirect, as the arrangement left real power with the Emir.[1] The Sultan assumed the title of "Hâdimü’l-Haremeyni’ş-Şerifeyn", or Custodian of the Two Holy Cities.[17]