1256–1335 CE
The Hulaguids, of Mongol origin, easily seized control over most Iranian lands. The Khwarazmshahs — first Shah Muhammad and then his son Jalal Ad‑Din, who fled from Khwarezm — through their lack of resolve ultimately convinced Hulagu (Genghis Khan’s grandson) and his troops of their own victory, leading to the complete subjugation of Iran by the Mongols.
The dynasty is also known as the Ilkhans (meaning “rulers”, “rulers of the tribe”, or “senior lords”).
Ruling for nearly a century, the realm bequeathed to Hulagu encompassed:
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all of Iran;
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parts of Azerbaijan (primarily the historical region of Shirvan);
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parts of Turkey.
Azerbaijan was effectively the empire’s center under the Hulaguids. At one point, Tabriz (in what is now Iranian Azerbaijan) became the capital — highlighting the region’s significance.
Foreign policy
The Hulaguids’ foreign policy focused on:
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swift conquest of Iran;
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continued advance into Syria (which ended in failure).
After the Mongol Empire fragmented, the Hulaguids became heads of an independent state and engaged in struggles with:
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the Golden Horde (ruled by another branch of Genghis Khan’s descendants — the Jochids);
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the Chagatai Ulus (principal rival in the northeast);
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the Mamluk Sultanate (principal rival in the west).
Culture and economy
Contrary to expectations of widespread devastation typical of Mongol campaigns, the Ilkhan period brought prosperity and development to many regions.
One striking indicator of positive growth in crafts, art, and trade was Kashin ceramics. Although invented in Egypt, Kashin pottery flourished in Iran from the mid‑13th to late‑14th centuries. Vessels with metallic gold or ultramarine enamel finishes reached as far as Ancient Rus’ and the western edges of Eastern Europe.
The cultural, economic, and political significance of these finely decorated vessels is documented in written sources. For example, Iranian bowls and goblets appear among the gifts sent by the Egyptian sultan to the khan of the Golden Horde — the Ilkhans’ principal rival in the struggle for the prosperous lands of western Iran.
Other cultural spheres that flourished under the Hulaguids/Ilkhans included:
- Painting. Mongol invaders brought Chinese decorative traditions and drawing techniques, which took root permanently. Today, when people think of “Persian miniatures”, they often envision the “Chinese” style.
- Architecture. The number of Islamic religious structures increased.
- Literature. Notable works emerged, including Rashid al‑Din’s famous Jami al‑Tawarikh (“Compendium of Chronicles”).
