Chobanids

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The Chobanids, also called the Chupanids, were a Mongol family from the Suldus clan who rose to power in 14th‑century Persia. They started under the Ilkhanate and, after the Ilkhanate fell, ruled much of western Iran from their base in Azerbaijan, while the Jalayirids controlled Baghdad.

Amir Chupan was a strong military leader who gained influence with the Ilkhans and married into Hulagu’s family. His power angered other nobles, and he was expelled and killed by Abu Sa'id in 1327. A Chobanid woman, Baghdad Katun, later grabbed influence at court and was blamed by some for Abu Sa'id’s death; she was executed by Arpa Ke'un. After more feuding, Hasan Kucek, Chupan’s grandson, defeated the Jalayirids in 1338 and created a Chobanid realm around Tabriz, placing Sati Beg on the Ilkhanid throne but keeping her on a tight rein.

Hasan Kucek’s successors fought rivals and struggled with the Isfahan region, which the Injuids took in 1342. After Hasan Kucek’s death, his brother Malek Asraf took control by 1344 and ruled through puppet Ilkhanid rulers. He tried to seize Baghdad in 1347 and Fars in 1350 but failed, and his cruel rule caused widespread dissatisfaction. In 1357, the Golden Horde captured Tabriz, ending the Chobanid power. Malek Asraf was executed, his family was taken north, and the Chobanid line eventually disappeared from Persia.