On April 15, 1277, the Mamluk Sultan Baibars marched from Syria into the Mongol-dominated Sultanate of Rûm and attacked the Mongol occupation force in the Battle of Elbistan (Abulustayn).

During the battle, the Mongols destroyed the Mamluk left wing, consisting of many Bedouin irregulars, but were ultimately defeated. It seems that both sides were expecting assistance from the army of Pervâne and his Seljuks. Pervâne had attempted to ally himself with both factions to keep his options open, but fled the battle with the Seljuk Sultan to Tokat. The Seljuk army was present near the battle, but did not take part.