The Battle of Yaunis Khan took place during the Second Ottoman–Mamluk War, a significant conflict between the expanding Ottoman Empire and the Mamluks, who ruled Egypt and the Levant. Sultan Selim I of the Ottoman Empire sought to establish dominance over Egypt, a vital region for trade and pilgrimage. The Mamluks, under Sultan Qansuh al-Ghawri, faced the Ottomans with the intent to protect their territories. The clash occurred near Cairo on October 28, 1516, and was crucial for both sides as it was not only a battle for territory but also a contest for legitimacy and power in the region.

The Ottoman forces, employing superior military organization and tactics, were able to outmaneuver and overwhelm the Mamluks. The battle was characterized by intense combat, showcasing the disciplined cavalry and artillery of the Ottomans. Sultan Selim I's strategic use of flanking maneuvers allowed the Ottomans to encircle their opponents effectively, leading to heavy Mamluk casualties and the eventual defeat of Qansuh al-Ghawri. This loss was devastating for the Mamluks, whose forces were unable to regroup and mount a significant counter-offensive.

The aftermath of the Battle of Yaunis Khan significantly shifted the balance of power in the region. It paved the way for further Ottoman advances into Egypt, culminating in the Ottoman conquest of Cairo shortly thereafter. This victory marked a turning point in Middle Eastern history, as the Ottomans would subsequently dominate the region for centuries, influencing trade, culture, and administration. It also illustrated the decline of the Mamluk Sultanate, which had once been a formidable power in the Islamic world. The cultural and political ramifications of Ottoman rule would resonate throughout the region long after the battle.