Abaka Abaga He came to Persia in 1256 with his father Hulagu, the leader of the Mongol conquest of Western Asia. After the latter's death, he was elected sovereign by members of the royal family. His confirmation as the Great Khan Kublai followed only five years later. In 1265 Date of Birth: 03.1234Год Country: Iran

1. Abaga, the Fourth Ilkhan of the Mongol Empire
2. Rise to Power
3. Military Campaigns
4. Internal Policies
5. Abaga's Legacy

Abaga, the Fourth Ilkhan of the Mongol Empire

Abaga was the fourth Ilkhan of the Mongol Empire, ruling from 1265 to 1282. He played a significant role in both the external and internal affairs of his vast domain.

Rise to Power

Abaga accompanied his father, Hulagu, on the Mongol conquest of Western Asia in 1256. After Hulagu's death, Abaga was elected Ilkhan by the ruling family. However, his recognition as Great Khan by Kublai Khan took another five years.

Military Campaigns

Abaga continued the conflict with the Golden Horde to the north. He ordered the construction of a wall along the northern bank of the Kura River in 1266 to protect against their incursions. He also subdued the Caucasian peoples in 1278.

Abaga pursued the war with the Egyptian Mamluks begun by Hulagu. He sought alliances with their Christian enemies in Europe, sending embassies to Lyon (1274), Rome (1277), and England (1277). European leaders welcomed these overtures, with Abaga receiving letters from Edward I of England (1274) and Popes Clement IV (1267), Gregory X (1274), and Nicholas III (1277).

Despite these diplomatic efforts, no joint action against Egypt materialized. Abaga's forces, led by his brother Mengü-Timur, fought a bloody but indecisive battle with the Mamluks in 1281.

Internal Policies

Abaga promoted Christianity and married Maria Despina, daughter of Byzantine Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos, although he sought to maintain peace among all religions. His reign was generally peaceful, with tax reductions for the impoverished rural population.

Abaga's Legacy

Abaga's reign marked a period of expansion and consolidation for the Mongol Empire in Western Asia. His diplomatic efforts with European powers laid the groundwork for future alliances. However, his untimely death from alcoholism in 1282 left his ambitious plans unrealized. His brother, Tekuder, succeeded him as Ilkhan.