What were the effects of Mongol rule in Iran? This book focuses on Shiraz and the province of Fars to provide a detailed political, social and economic history of Ilkhanid rule from the first Mongol invasions in 1220 until the end of the Injuid Dynasty in 1357. Using a vast collection of sources, Denise Aigle combines local and global approaches to integrate the history of the province into the whole administrative system. Central is the thesis that Mongol rule caused a break in traditional administrative patterns. A dual administrative system was set up, consisting of both Mongol and local Persian personnel, directed from the court. Charting the fortunes of each successive ruler, her research shows that the failings of individual rulers, as well as intriguing by Persian notables, were the principal reasons for Shiraz and Fars’s economic decline under the Mongols in comparison with the more successful neighbouring province of Kirman. Iran Under the Mongols is a vital contribution to our understanding of the effects of Mongol rule in Iran.

Table of Contents:
List of maps Preface Author’s Note List of Abbreviations Introduction 1. Notes on the sources Official Historiography Non-Official Historiography Local Historiography Historical Geography and Biographical Dictionaries Hagiographical Sources 2. Establishing and Governing an Empire Legal and Administrative Foundations of the Great Mongol State (1220-58) Administrative Breakdown under the Ilkhans (1258-1336) Destructive Impact of the Ordu Land Status and Insecurity of Property Titles 3. Competent Governance under Abu Bakr Salghur Establishment of the Salghurids in Shiraz Abu Bakr’s Territorial Expansion in the Persian Gulf Autonomy in Exchange for Allegiance to the Great Qa’an Establishment of a New Fiscal Policy Abu Bakr, a Ruler Concerned about his Power 4. Progressive Administrative Control of the Ilkhans over Fars Ineptitude of Abu Bakr’s Successors Two Capable Turko-Mongol Administrators Inkianu: A Competent Turkish Administrator and Victim of Ordu Intrigues Rigorous Administration of the Mongol Sughunchaq Noyan Consequences in Shiraz of Political Instability at the Ordu The Mongol Bulughan Resists Ahmad Tegüder Abish Khatun and the Injüs in Fars Return to Matters of Sayyid ‘Imad al-Din Abu Yu‘la Boldness of the Mongolian Princess 5. Ilkhanid Policy in Fars Arghun and the Crown Lands Arghun’s New Divan Team: Repercussions in Fars Persistent Difficulties in Tax Collection in the Gaikhatu Era Mongols and Trade Ghazan’s Administration in Fars Setbacks of Malik al-Islam at the Ordu Division of Fars into Tax Districts The Divan in Search of Financial Resources The Return of the Tibi Merchants to the Tax Farm A Yazdi Sayyid in charge of Tax Collection Injuids Governors of Shiraz 6. Fars Amidst the Rivalries of Chupanids, Injuids and Muzaffarids Five Miulitary Campaigns: Alliances and Counter-Alliances First Campaign: Chupanid-Injuid Alliance Second Campaign: Chupanid-Muzaffarid Alliance Thirth Campaign: New Chupanid-Injuid Alliance Fourth Campaing: New Chupanid-Injuid Alliance Fifth Campaign: New Chupanid-Muzaffarid Alliance Uncertain Political Line of Shaykh Abu Ishaq Inju Capture of Shiraz Role of Tribal Members in the Injuid and Muzaffarid Armies Muzaffarids and Pahlavans Paradox of Muzaffarid Ideology Amirs’ Campaigns in Fars 7. Persian hukkam: ‘Games of the Swords’ or Corrupt Officials? Previous Instances of Economic Decline Reasons for Recurring Administrative Dysfunctions Venality of Local Officials Great Traders Caught in Turmoil Consequences of Corrupt Local Agents Chaotic Return to Traditional Sharing Zones 8. Epilogue: Other Principalities in Southern Iran Principalities on the Eve of the Mongol Invasion Confirmation of Power in Exchange for Submission Supplying the Ilkhans with Troops in Exchange for Peace Consequences of Insubordination to the Ilkhans Bibliography Index