Salih was born on 28 September 1337. He was the son of Sultan
an-Nasir Muhammad (r. 1310–1341) and one of his wives, Qutlumalik, the daughter of Emir
Tankiz al-Husami of
Damascus (r. 1312–1340). As sultan, Salih often displayed public affection and respect for his mother. He took his mother and his wives on a trip to Siryaqus (a resort village north of Cairo), along with several emirs and other officials. His installment in the sultanate was a result of a decision by the senior Mamluk emirs, namely Taz and
Baybugha in response to an-Nasir Hasan's move to assert real control over the state. In effect, Emir Taz was the ruler of the sultanate and Salih was a figurehead sultan. However, Salih did assert his authority when Emir Baybugha launched a rebellion in Syria in 1352. Salih led his army to Damascus and confronted the rebels. Baybugha and the
nuwwab (governors, sing. ''na'ib'') of
Safad,
Hama and
Tripoli were ultimately imprisoned, and Byabugha died while incarcerated in Aleppo later that year. Emir Shaykhu fell out with Salih and at the same time conspired with Emir
Sirghitmish to oust Emir Taz from power. In October 1354, the dissident emirs toppled Salih and restored an-Nasir Hasan to power, while sending Taz to Aleppo to serve as that province's ''na'ib'' (effectively exiling him). Salih died in December 1360 at the age of 24. He was buried in the mausoleum of his paternal grandmother, Umm Salih (wife of Qalawun) in Cairo. He was survived by his son, Muhammad. ==References==