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ArghunThe fourth Ilkhan of the Ilkhanate (1284-1291)
Date of Birth: 01.01.1255
Country:  Operator |
Content:
- Early Life and Reign
- Succession and Power Struggles
- Elimination of Buka
- Administrative Reforms and Religious Policies
- Monetary Reforms
- Anti-Muslim Policies
- Revolts and Demise
- Death of Sa'd al-Dawla
- Death of Arjun Khan
- Diplomacy with Europe
- Papal Embassies
- Embassy of Rabban Sauma
Early Life and Reign
Arjun Khan, the Fourth IlkhanArjun Khan, the fourth Ilkhan of the Ilkhanate (1284-1291), was the eldest son of Abaga Khan and grandson of Hulagu. As a young man, Arjun was appointed as the nominal ruler of Khorasan under the supervision of Emir Särtaq from the Jalayir tribe.
In 1279, during Abaga Khan's campaign against the Nidudar (Qara'unas) who had ravaged Fars, Arjun led an army to Sistan. After besieging cities for a time, he returned with some Chagataid princes who had submitted to his authority.
Succession and Power Struggles
Overthrow of TekuderUpon the death of Abaga, his brother Tekuder became the Ilkhan (1282). However, within two years, Arjun, supported by the Mongol nobility, defeated and executed his uncle. The powerful Juvayni family, who had been favored by Tekuder, faced reprisals. The family's head, the vizier Shams al-Din Juvayni, was executed in 1284.
Elimination of Buka
Power was concentrated in the hands of Emir Buka from the Jalayir tribe. He became vizier, and his relatives and allies filled most positions of authority. However, Buka had many enemies at court who sought to undermine his position. Sensing his power slipping away, Buka conspired against Arjun but was betrayed by his own supporters and executed in 1289.
Administrative Reforms and Religious Policies
Distrust of Muslim OfficialsArjun distrusted Muslim officials and decided to replace them with Jews and Christians. After Buka's execution, the Jewish merchant Sa'd al-Dawla was appointed as vizier. With the help of his fellow countrymen brought into government service, the vizier attempted to reorganize the troubled administration.
Monetary Reforms
Sa'd al-Dawla enforced strict tax collection and reduced corruption among officials, leading to a significant increase in state revenue.
Anti-Muslim Policies
Arjun's anti-Muslim policies angered the Mongol nobility and Muslim officials. Sa'd al-Dawla's actions, including an alleged plot to attack Mecca, were used to incite hatred.
Revolts and Demise
Revolt in KhorasanIn 1289, Emir Nowruz from the Oirat tribe, who had been viceroy of the Great Khan in Khorasan, led a revolt in that province. Nowruz was among the Muslim Mongol commanders who were dissatisfied with Arjun's anti-Muslim policies.
Death of Sa'd al-Dawla
During Arjun's terminal illness, Sa'd al-Dawla was captured and executed. His family was enslaved, and his property was confiscated.
Death of Arjun Khan
Arjun Khan died on March 10, 1291, from paralysis. During his illness, various factions had been vying for power. A revolt by nomadic tribes in Luristan occurred shortly after his death, but it was quickly suppressed.
Diplomacy with Europe
Alliances against the MamluksArjun continued his father's policy of establishing friendly relations with European rulers. The main goal was to create a military coalition against the Mamluks, who controlled Syria and Palestine.
Papal Embassies
Arjun sent four embassies to Europe to negotiate alliances. The first embassy was sent to Rome in 1285 and presented Pope Honorius IV with a letter dated May 18, 1285. The letter named the members of the delegation, which included a translator, a monk, a Mongol, and other officials.
Embassy of Rabban Sauma
In 1287, an embassy led by the Nestorian monk Rabban Sauma was sent across Europe. Sauma visited Constantinople, Rome, Genoa, France, and England. He met with the Byzantine emperor, Pope Nicholas IV, the French king, and the English king, and received letters of support and blessings.
