was for Circassians and Alans, while al-Dhahabiyya and al-Zumurrudiyya were for Kipchaks and Khitai.139 Slave-buying manuals elaborated on the supposed characteristics of specific Turkish races. Kipchaks were said to be moderate in temperament, strong, and powerful, with beautiful, proportionate bodies but grim faces.140 Those from Khurasān thrived best in Egypt. Kipchak children were said to be clean, healthy, skillful, and beautiful. Kipchak men were said to be good soldiers but merciless, potentially treacherous, and coarse of heart because they ate too much horse meat. They were said not to be skilled in politics, judgment, the crafts, or the sciences.
Circassians were characterized as physically powerful, brave, always ready to strike the first blow, and having a strong sense of group solidarity (ʿasabiyya).141 Yet they were also said to be lacking in wisdom, work ethic, and patience for hardship and long-term warfare. Untrained Circassians were said to be proud and unruly, with no grasp of religion. Yet those trained in knightly skills (furusiyya) from a young age were excellent warriors and commanders, while those offered religious education were proficient Muslims and capable of becoming religious scholars (ʿulamāʾ). In other words, the worst Circassians were utterly useless, but the best Circassians—those enslaved and trained as mamluks—were suitable for leadership.142
Since Galenic theory linked inner qualities of character, outer qualities of complexion, and the characteristic humoral balance of an individual, the inconsistency of the Circassian character stereotype was reflected in a range of possible Circassian complexions. According to al-ʿAyntābī’s slave-buying manual, a pale (ashqar) Circassian had “no equal in shamelessness, debauchery, evil morals, and lying.”143 A Circassian who was both slender and pale was likely to be active, quick to move and speak, and governed by his passions. A black (sawād) Circassian was rash and cowardly to the point that his bad qualities were likely to outweigh his good ones. He might also be greedy and unkind. On the other hand, a Circassian who was white imbued with red (al-abyaḍ al-musharrib bi-ḥumra) should be intelligent and opinionated. A brown color (asmar) shading into black (sawād) and yellow (ṣufra) indicated bravery, responsibility, and boldness. Brownish red (samra ḥumra
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