Buqa facts for kids

Buqa (also known as Bugha) was an important Mongol leader and advisor who lived in the 1200s. He played a big role in helping Arghun become the fourth ruler, or Il-Khan, of Iran in 1284. After Arghun took power, Buqa became his chief minister, also known as a vizier, and his main advisor. He took over this role from Shams ad-Din Juvayni.

Life of Buqa

Early Life

Buqa belonged to the Jalayir tribe. He grew up without parents, as his father, Ugulay Qurchi, had served as a scout for Hulagu Khan. Buqa and his brother Aruq were brought to the court of Abaqa Khan when they were young. There, Buqa became a loyal follower of Abaqa.

Serving Under Different Rulers

Buqa was a trusted advisor to Abaqa. He managed the royal treasury, important documents, and other royal affairs. During this time, he also became good friends with Abaqa's son, Arghun.

After Abaqa's death in 1282, Buqa supported Arghun's claim to the throne. However, Tekuder was chosen as the new Il-Khan. Buqa continued to serve Tekuder as a trusted commander.

In 1284, Arghun started a rebellion against Tekuder. Tekuder asked Buqa to take Arghun's brother, Prince Gaykhatu, as a hostage. Buqa did so, but he started to feel unhappy with Tekuder's actions. Tekuder also began to trust another general, Aq Buqa, more than Buqa.

Feeling that Tekuder no longer trusted him, Buqa decided to help Arghun. He freed Arghun from his captors. Tekuder then fled but was caught by soldiers sent by Buqa. Tekuder was handed over to Arghun in July 1284.

Buqa Becomes a Powerful Leader

After Tekuder was removed from power, Arghun became the new Il-Khan. Buqa then became the new sahib-i divan, which means he was the grand vizier and effectively managed the empire. He was the first person to hold both the top military title (amir al-umara) and the top civil title (sahib-i divan). This meant he was in charge of both the army and the government.

Buqa's Reforms and Power

With the help of his older brother Aruq, Buqa started important changes to how the empire managed its money and taxes. In 1286, the Great Khan Kublai Khan recognized Buqa's loyalty to Arghun and gave him the special title of chingsang, which means Chancellor.

To make his position even stronger, Buqa appointed his brother Aruq as the governor of Baghdad. He also placed his supporters in charge of other important regions, like Fars and Anatolia. Arghun's young son, Ghazan, was made the viceroy of Khorasan, with Buqa's ally Nawruz as his military governor.

Challenges and Downfall

However, Buqa and his brother Aruq became very powerful and proud. This made many people unhappy. Aruq, for example, managed Baghdad as if it were his own, not sending taxes to the central government. People also complained about his actions.

Other important leaders, including Tuladai and Taghachar, began to secretly plan with Arghun to remove Buqa from his powerful position. Arghun started by investigating unpaid taxes from the Fars province, which brought in a lot of money.

In 1287, when Buqa became ill, Arghun investigated Aruq's financial dealings in Baghdad. He took control of Baghdad's income and replaced Aruq. Another ally of Buqa, Amir Ali, was also removed from his position as governor of Tabriz.

Buqa realized that Arghun no longer trusted him. He then made a secret plan with Prince Jushkab and King Demetre II of Georgia. Buqa promised Jushkab the throne if their plan succeeded, with Buqa becoming the empire's chief assistant. However, Jushkab told Arghun about the plan. Arghun then sent his new commander, Qoncuqbal, to arrest Buqa.

Buqa was put to death on January 16, 1289. After him, a Jewish physician named Sa’d al-Daula became the new vizier.

Images for kids

• Execution of Buqa on the orders of Arghun, 15th century