The rulers would supply necessary military forces to ensure security of hajj caravans. Commanders for the caravans leaving from Cairo and Damascus were designated by the Muslim sovereign and were known as Amir al-Hajj. They were in charge of protecting the pilgrims of the caravan, and securing funds and supplies for the journey.[33] Surgeons and physicians were also sent with Syrian caravans to doctor the pilgrims free of costs.[34]During this period, around 20,000 to 60,000 people made their pilgrimage annually.[33]