Hasan Kuchak facts for kids

Hasan Kuchak (born around 1319 – died December 15, 1343) was a powerful Chupanid prince in the 14th century. He lived during a time when the Ilkhanate empire was falling apart. Hasan Kuchak became very important in setting up a nearly independent Chupanid state in Iran. He was known for being a "kingmaker," meaning he had the power to decide who would rule, much like his relative Hasan Buzurg.

Early Life and Rise to Power

Hasan Kuchak was born around 1319 in Kayseri, which was part of the Ilkhanate at the time. His father was Timurtash, a powerful leader. However, his father was executed in 1328, and young Hasan had to hide from his father's enemies.

Hasan's chance to gain power came a few years after the last strong Ilkhan ruler, Abu Sa'id, died. At this time, a group called the Jalayirids, led by Hasan Buzurg, controlled western Persia. They had put their own puppet ruler, Muhammad Khan, on the Ilkhanid throne in 1336.

Hasan Kuchak wanted to bring his own family, the Chobanids, back together. He used a clever trick: he had a slave named Qara Jari pretend to be his father, Timurtash, who was thought to be dead. Even Timurtash's wives married this impersonator. The Mameluk Sultan Al-Nasr Muhammad, who had ordered Timurtash's execution, tried to show that it was a trick, but he didn't succeed. Many Chobanid family members, including his cousin Pir Hosayn, joined Hasan Kuchak.

Together, Hasan Kuchak and his allies defeated Hasan Buzurg in a battle near Van on July 16, 1338. They executed Muhammad Khan and took control of the area around Tabriz. At just 19 years old, Hasan Kuchak became the real leader of the Ilkhanate lands.

Hasan Kuchak's Rule

After their victory, the impersonator, Qara Jari, tried to take power for himself, but he failed and was later killed. Hasan Kuchak then placed Sati Beg, who was the sister of Abu Sa'id, on the Ilkhanid throne in the summer of 1338.

Later, another person who claimed to be the rightful ruler, Togha Temur, invaded from Khurasan. Hasan Kuchak offered Sati Beg's hand in marriage to Togha Temur. He used this to get letters from Togha Temur, which he then sent to the Jalayirids. Hasan Buzurg felt betrayed and stopped supporting Togha Temur, who then had to retreat in July 1339.

Hasan Kuchak then found a new puppet ruler, Suleiman Khan, and forced Sati Beg to marry him in May 1339. Hasan decided to fight the Jalayirids again. With the help of Pir Hosayn and his uncle Surgan, he defeated the Jalayirids on June 26, 1340. Surgan was made governor of Iraq, and Pir Hosayn was sent to Fars.

Family Challenges

Not all of Hasan Kuchak's family members remained loyal to him. His uncle Surgan became unhappy and joined forces with Hasan Buzurg. Other groups also joined this alliance. However, Hasan Kuchak managed to convince Surgan to leave the alliance.

Still, Surgan began to plan with Togha Temur, who sent his brother to invade Iraq. But Hasan Kuchak's brother, Malek Asraf, defeated these forces in 1341. Surgan was then captured and sent to prison far away in Karahisar.

Around the same time, some Chobanids had problems in the Fars region. Malek Ashraf, Pir Hosayn, and their uncle Yagi Basti were involved in a conflict there. This conflict divided the Chobanid family. Pir Hosayn was arrested and died in Tabriz in 1342.

Yagi Basti and Malek Asraf met up in Baghdad. Hasan Kuchak saw them as a threat. He made Malek Asraf flee to Georgia and convinced Hasan Buzurg to stop supporting him. However, Malek Asraf and Yagi Basti were back in Fars the next year.

Death and What Happened Next

Hasan Kuchak was married to Izzat Malik. He was murdered by her near the end of 1343.

Since Hasan Kuchak did not have any children to take over, his lands were divided among Malek Asraf, Yagi Basti, and Surgan. However, Malek Asraf eventually became the sole ruler. Hasan Kuchak was buried in Tabriz.

Legacy

Hasan Kuchak's name is remembered on an inscription found in Tabriz, at the Ostād-Šāgerd mosque. This mosque was built during the rule of Suleiman Khan.