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Abaqa Khan

Abaqa Khan(27 February 1234 – 4 April 1282,Mongolian:Абаха/Абага хан(KhalkhaCyrillic),ᠠᠪᠠᠭ᠎ᠠ
ᠬᠠᠨ(Traditional script),"paternal uncle", also transliteratedAbaġa), was the secondMongolruler (Ilkhan) of theIlkhanate.The son ofHulagu Khanand Lady Yesünčin and the grandson ofTolui,he reigned from 1265 to 1282 and was succeeded by his brotherAhmed Tekuder.[3]Much of Abaqa's reign was consumed with civil wars in the Mongol Empire, such as those between the Ilkhanate and the northern khanate of theGolden Horde,and theChagatai KhanateinCentral Asia.Abaqa also engaged in unsuccessful attempts at invading Syria under theMamluk Sultanate,which included theSecond Battle of Homs.

Abaqa Khan
ᠠᠪᠠᠭ᠎ᠠ ᠬᠠᠨ
Ilkhān al-Mu'aẓẓam[1]
(Supreme Ilkhan)
Sultān-i Īrān[2]
(Sultan of Iran)
Abaqa enthroned with his khatun (possibly Dorji Khatun)
Ilkhan
Reign8 February 1265 – 1282
PredecessorHulagu Khan
SuccessorAhmed Tekuder
Born(1234-02-27)27 February 1234
Mongolia
Died4 April 1282(1282-04-04)(aged 48)
Hamadan,Ilkhanate
ConsortBuluqhan Khatun
Padishah Khatun
Maria Palaiologina
IssueArghun
Gaykhatu
Oljath
El Qutlugh Khatun(daughter)
DynastyBorjigin
FatherHulagu Khan
MotherYesuncin Khatun
ReligionBuddhism

Life

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Abaqa was born inMongolia[3]on 27 February 1234,[4]son of Ilkhanate founderHulagu Khan.Abaqa was aBuddhist.A favoured son of Hulagu, he was made governor ofTurkestan.[5]

Hulagu died from illness in 1265. Before his death, he had been negotiating with the Byzantine EmperorMichael VIII Palaiologosto add a daughter of the Byzantine imperial family to Hulagu's number of wives. Michael VIII had selected his illegitimate daughterMaria Palaiologina,who was dispatched in 1265, escorted by the abbot ofPantokrator monastery,Theodosius de Villehardouin.[6]HistorianSteven Runcimanrelates how she was accompanied by thePatriarch Euthymius of Antioch.[5]Since Hulagu died before she arrived, she was instead married to Hulagu's son, Abaqa. He received her hand in marriage when he was installed as Ilkhan. When Hulagu's wife Doquz Khatun also died in 1265, the role of spiritual leader transferred to Maria, who was called "Despina Khatun" by the Mongols.

It was Abaqa who decided that the permanent location for the Ilkhanate capital would beTabriz,which was in the northwestern grasslands that the Mongols preferred.[7]

Abaqa took power four months after the death of his father, and then spent the next several months redistributing fiefs and governorships.[5]

Some of the coins from Abaqa's era display the Christian cross, and bear in Arabic the Christian inscription "In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, only one God".[8]

Military campaigns

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Golden Horde

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Gold Dinar of Abaqa Khan, Isfahan Mint. Obverse: [Arabic] Al-Mulku Lillah, La Ilaha Illa Lah Muhammad Rasul - lallah Sallallahu Alayhi vasallam. Revers: Qa An Shah A'lam Ilkhan Al-A'azam Abaqa Khalada mulk allah
Silverdirhamof Abaqa Khan, struck at the Tiflis (Tbilisi) mint, dated 1265

Since Hulagu's reign, the Mongols of the Ilkhanate had been at war with the Mongols of theGolden Horde.This continued into Abaqa's reign, and the Golden Horde invaded the Ilkhanate in the spring after his accession. The invasion was partly due to an alliance between the Golden Horde and the Egyptian Mamluks. As part of this alliance, the Golden Horde attempted to distract Abaqa through attacks on his territories so as to keep him from invading Mamluk-held Syria.[5]The hostilities continued until the death of the Golden Horde's khan,Berke,in 1267. The Great Khan Kublai attempted to intervene to stop the civil war, and due to his influence, the Golden Horde's new khan,Möngke Temürdid not launch a major invasion into Abaqa's territory.[9]However, Möngke Temür still Commander Nogai established an alliance with the Egyptian Mamluk sultan Baibars promising that he would attack Abaqa and share any conquered territories.[10]But, at the same time, Möngke Temür sent envoys to congratulate Abaqa when the Ilkhan defeatedGhiyas-ud-din Baraq.[11]In 1270, he allowedMengu-Timurto collect his revenues from workshops in Iran.[12]

Chagataids

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Ögedei's grandsonKaidu,Batu's grandsonMengu-TimurandBaraqof theChagatai Khanateformed an alliance against Kublai Khan and Abaqa inTalas.They appointed Kaidu a ruler of Central Asia. The resultingKaidu–Kublai warwhich started in 1268 would carry on until the end of the century.

In 1270,BaraqKhan of theChagatai Khanatetried to annexIran,which resulting in an attack on Abaqa who was in the city ofHerat.However, Abaqa was able to launch a successful defence and also defeated Baraq's relativeTeguderin Georgia. In the following year, he retaliated by sending an army against the Chagatai Khanate. They plunderedBukharaand surrounding areas. There were small conflicts between Abaqha and theQara'unaswho were under the control of Chagatai nobles until 1280.

Nizari Ismailis

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Main articles:Mongol campaign against the NizarisandGerdkuh

Invasions of Syria

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See also:Mongol invasions of Syria

Diplomatic relations with Christians

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Abaqa was one in a long line of Mongol rulers who attempted to secure Western co-operation against the MuslimMamluks.He corresponded withPope Clement IVduring 1267–1268, and reportedly sent a Mongol ambassador to western Europe in 1268, trying to form aFranco-Mongol alliancebetween his forces, those of the West, and those of his father-in-law Michael VIII. He received responses from Rome and fromJames I of Aragon,though it is unclear if this was what led to James' unsuccessful expedition toAcrein 1269.[13]Abaqa is recorded as having written to the Aragonese king, saying that he was going to send his brother, Aghai, to join the Aragonese when they arrived inCilicia.Abaqa also sent embassies toEdward I of England,and in 1274 sent a Mongol delegation toPope Gregory Xat theSecond Council of Lyons,where Abaqa's secretaryRychaldusread a report to the assembly, reminding them of Hulagu's friendliness towards Christians, and assuring them that Abaqa planned to drive the Muslims from Syria.[14]But neither this diplomatic mission, nor two further embassies to Europe in 1276 and 1277, brought any tangible results.

Campaign during the Ninth Crusade (1271)

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Mongol operations (red) under Abaqa's general Samagar during theNinth Crusadein 1271
See also:Ninth Crusade

In 1260Bohemond VI of Antiochwas persuaded by his father-in-law,Hetoum I of Armenia,to voluntarily submit to Mongol authority[15]while Abaqa's father Hulagu was in power, makingAntiochandTripolivassal states of the Ilkhanate. In 1268, the Mamluk leader Baibars captured Antioch,[16]and Bohemond obtained a truce with Baibars in order to avoid losing Tripoli.[17][18]

In response to the fall of Antioch,Edward I of Englandarrived in Acre in 1271, trying to lead a new Crusade. It was ultimately considered a military failure, but Edward was able to eventually secure a truce with the Mamluks before he had to return to England.

When Edward arrived in Acre, he had sent an embassy to Abaqa, led by Reginald Rossel, Godefroi of Waus and John of Parker, requesting military assistance from the Mongols.[19]Abaqa was occupied with other conflicts inTurkestanbut responded positively to Edward's request, sending 10,000 Mongol horsemen under generalSamagarfrom the occupation army inSeljukAnatoliato Syria:

"After talking over the matter, we have on our account resolved to send to your aid Cemakar (Samagar) at the head of a mighty force; thus, when you discuss among yourselves the other plans involving the aforementioned Cemakar be sure to make explicit arrangements as to the exact month and day on which you will engage the enemy."

— Letter from Abaqa to Edward I, 4 September 1271.[20]

The Mongols, including some auxiliary Seljuk troops, ravaged the land fromAlepposouthward. Though the force was relatively small, they triggered an exodus of the Muslim population (who remembered the previous campaigns of the Mongol generalKitbuqa) as far south asCairo.[21]Edward, for his part, was never able to muster his own forces to coordinate actions with the Mongols or even achieve any military victories, so Abaqa's forces eventually withdrew. When Baibars mounted a counter-offensive from Egypt on 12 November 1271, the Mongols had already retreated beyond theEuphrates.

Campaigns of 1280–1281

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The Mamluk leaderBaibarsdied in 1277. During 1280 and 1281, Abaqa promoted new attacks againstSyria.In September 1280, the Mongols occupiedBaghrasandDarbsak,and tookAleppoon October 20. TheMongolssent envoys to Acre to request military support for their campaign, but theCrusaderswere still in a 10-year truce with theMamluks.The Vicar of the Patriarch declined Abaqa's request, saying that the city was suffering from hunger, and that the king of Jerusalem was embroiled in another war. The King of CyprusHugh IIIand Bohemond VII mobilised their armies, but could not intervene because the Mamluks had already positioned themselves between them and the Mongols.[22]

Abaqa andLeo IIIurged the Franks to start a new Crusade, but only the Hospitallers and Edward I (who could not come for lack of funds) responded favourably.[23]The Hospitallers of Marqab made combined raids into theBuqaia,and won several engagements against the SultanQalawun,[24]raiding as far as theKrak des Chevaliersin October 1280, and defeating the Mamluk army of the Krak in February 1281.[22]

The Mongols finally retreated, pledging to come back for the winter of 1281. They informed the Franks that they would bring 50,000 Mongol horsemen and 50,000 Mongol infantry, but apparently this pledge did not receive a response.[24]

Campaign of Autumn 1281

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Defeat of the Mongols (left) at the 1281Battle of Homs.

TheEgyptian Muslimshad respected a 10-year truce with theCrusaderswhich began in 1271. On 3 May 1281, the new Muslim sultanQalawunsigned a new 10-year truce with the barons of Acre and a second 10-year truce withBohemond VII of Tripoli,on 16 July 1281.[25]

The announced Mongol invasion started in September 1281. They were joined by theArmeniansunderLeo III,and by about 200Hospitalierknights from the fortress ofMarqab[26][27]who considered they were not bound by the truce with the Mamluks.[28]

On 30 October 1281, 50,000Mongoltroops, together with 30,000Armenians,Georgians,Greeks and theFrankishHospitalierKnights of Marqab, fought against the Muslim leader Qalawun at theSecond Battle of Homs,but were beaten back.[28]

Death and succession

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Abaqa died atHamadanon 4 April 1282, probably in a state ofdelirium tremens.This illness was probably caused by too much consumption of alcohol, a habit common to many Mongol leaders. However, in 1285, his minister of financeShams ad-Din Juvayniwas accused of having had him poisoned.[29]

After Abaqa's death, his widow Maria fled back to Constantinople where her father, apparently wishing to spare his capital the fate that befell Baghdad, tried to marry her off again to another Mongol khan. Maria would not accept the offer, became anun,and in about 1285 founded the church ofPanagia Mouchliotissa.

Abaqa was succeeded by his brotherTekuder,who despite his earlier conflicts with the Egyptian Mamluks, had converted to Islam. Tekuder reversed Abaqa's pro-Christian policies and proposed an alliance with the Mamluk SultanQalawun,who resumed attacks on Frankish territory, capturing the northern fortress ofMargatin 1285,Lattakiain 1287, andTripoliin 1289.[30]In 1284, Abaqa's sonArghunled a successful revolt, backed byKublai.Arghun had his uncle Tekuder executed and took power himself, returning to the pro-Christian policies of Abaqa.

A younger son,Gaykhatu,assumed the throne in 1291.[31][32][33]

Family

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Abaqa on a horse. His sonArghunstands beside him under a royal umbrella, with his own son,Mahmud Ghazan,in his arms.Rashid-al-Din Hamadani,early 14th century.

Abaqa had sixteen consorts and children with several of them:

Inherited fromHulagu:

  1. Öljei Khatun, mother ofMöngke Temür
  2. Tuqtani (or Toqiyatai) (d. 20 February 1292) — former concubine, raised to be akhatun,was givenDokuz Khatun's encampment

Principal wives:

  1. Dorji Khatun
  2. Nukdan Khatun — from Tatar tribe; replaced Dorji after her death
  3. Eltuzmish Khatun — daughter of Qutlugh Timur Güregen ofKhonggirad,sister of Taraghai Güregen; replaced Nukdan after her death
  4. Padishah Khatun— daughter ofQutb-ud-din Muhammad,ruler ofKirmanandKutlugh Turkan;was given Yesunchin Khatun's (d. January/February 1272) encampment
  5. Mertei Khatun — sister of Taghai Timur (renamed Musa) ofKhongirad(son of Shigu Güregen, son of Alchi Noyan; and Tümelün Bekhi, daughter of Genghis Khan and Borte)
  6. Todai Khatun — a lady fromKhongirad,who afterwards marriedTekuderand after himArghun
    • Yul Qutlugh Khatun — married firstly to Eljidei Qushchi, married secondly to Emir Elbasmish
    • Taghai Khatun — married firstly to Ahmad, brother of Qunchuqbal, married secondly to Doladi Idachi;
  7. Despina Khatun— daughter ofMichael VIII Palaiologos
  8. Buluqhan Khatun(died 20 April 1286) — a lady from theBayauttribe
    • Malika Khatun — married to Toghan, son of Nogai Yarghuchi ofBayaut

Concubines:

  1. Bulughachin Aghachi
  2. Qaitmish Egachi — a lady from theÖngüdtribe
  3. Bulujin Egachi
  4. Shirin Egachi
  5. Altai Egachi
  6. Kawkabi Egachi

Notes

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  1. ^"The Salghurid Coinage of Fārs (Iran) Citing the Mongols: The Varieties of Overlordships, Form and Content (623–685/1226–1286)", Mohammad Younis,Journal of The Oriental Society of Australia,Vol. 45 (2013).Academia.edu
  2. ^Nizam-e-tawareekh byQazi Nasir Uddin Al Bezawi.Internet Archive.
  3. ^ab"ABAQA – Encyclopaedia Iranica".www.iranicaonline.org.Retrieved2020-04-16.
  4. ^Melville, Charles (1994)."The Chinese-Uighur Animal Calendar in Persian Historiography of the Mongol Period".Iran.32:83–98.doi:10.2307/4299907.ISSN0578-6967.JSTOR4299907.
  5. ^abcdRunciman, p. 320.
  6. ^Van Millingen (1912), p. 273.
  7. ^Morgan, p. 142.
  8. ^Histoire de l'Empire Mongol,Jean-Paul Roux, p. 380.
  9. ^J. J. SaundersThe history of Mongol conquests
  10. ^Reuven Amitei PressMamluk-Ilkhanid war 1260-1281
  11. ^Rashid ad-DinThe history of World
  12. ^Салих Закиров - Зол, Peter JacksonThe Mongol Empire and its legacy,p. 31.
  13. ^Knobler
  14. ^Jackson, pp. 167–168.
  15. ^Peter Jackson,Mongols and the West,p. 167.
  16. ^Amin Maalouf, p. 267.
  17. ^Amin Maalouf, p. 268 (in French)
  18. ^Runciman, pp. 325–327.
  19. ^Histoire des Croisades III,René Grousset, p. 653. Grousset quotes a contemporary source (Eracles,p. 461) explaining that Edward contacted the Mongols "por querre secors" ( "To ask for help" )
  20. ^Quoted in Amitai-Preiss,Mongols and Mamluks,p. 98.
  21. ^Histoire des Croisades III,René Grousset, p. 653.
  22. ^abRichard, pp. 465–466.
  23. ^Runciman, p. 387.
  24. ^abRunciman, p. 390.
  25. ^Grousset, p. 688.
  26. ^Grousset, p. 687.
  27. ^The Crusades Through Arab Eyes,p. 253: The fortress ofMarqabwas held by theKnights Hospitallers,calledal-osbitarby the Arabs, "These monk-knights had supported the Mongols wholeheartedly, going so far as to fight alongside them during a fresh attempted invasion in 1281."
  28. ^ab"Mangu Timur commanded the Mongol centre, with other Mongol princes on his left, and on his right his Georgian auxiliaries, with King Leo and the Hospitallers", Runciman, pp. 391–392.
  29. ^P. Jackson: "Abaqa" inEncyclopædia Iranica.Vol. 1 (1983), p. 63.
  30. ^Tyerman, p. 817.
  31. ^ Guida Myrl Jackson-Laufer (1999).Women Rulers Throughout the Ages: An Illustrated Guide.ABC-CLIO.p.319.ISBN9781576070918.Retrieved2012-06-23.
  32. ^ Ann K. S. Lambton (1988).Continuity and Change in Medieval Persia: Aspects of Administrative, Economic, and Social History, 11th-14th Century.SUNY Press.ISBN9780887061332.Retrieved2012-06-23.
  33. ^ "Padishah Khatun (Safwat al-Din Khatun): 13th Century".Women in World History.Retrieved2012-06-23.
  34. ^Shukurov, R. (Rustam) (19 May 2016).The Byzantine Turks, 1204-1461.Leiden. p. 84.ISBN978-90-04-30775-9.OCLC946032551.{{cite book}}:CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)

References

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Regnal titles
Preceded by Ilkhan
8 February 1265–1282 		Succeeded by
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