Kutlugh Turkan facts for kids

Kutlugh Turkan (born around 1208-1213, died 1283) was an important ruler of Kirman. She ruled from 1257 until 1282. She was known for her strong leadership and for improving life for her people.

Early Life and Family

Kutlugh Turkan was born in a region called Transoxiana. She received an excellent education. She later married Qutb al-Din Mohammad in 1235. He was a nephew of a powerful ruler named Buraq Hajib.

After their marriage, they faced some challenges. They were sent to the court of Ögedei Khan. This happened when another ruler, Rukn al-Din Mubarak Khawja, took over Kirman. Kutlugh Turkan and her husband returned to Kirman in 1252. Her husband, Qutb al-Din, was then confirmed as the new ruler. Sadly, she became a widow in 1257. Her son, Hajjaj Sultan, was still very young at that time.

Becoming a Ruler

In 1257, Kutlugh Turkan was chosen to rule Kirman. This decision was made by Hulagu Khan and the nobles of Kirman. At first, she was only supposed to handle civil matters. Her son-in-law, Azod-al-Din, was in charge of military affairs.

But Kutlugh Turkan wanted more power. She asked Hulagu Khan to change his decision. She built strong relationships with the Ilkhanate rulers. She even sent her son to join Hulagu's army.

In 1264, Hulagu Khan officially recognized her as the ruler. She was given the special title Ismat al-dunya wa al-din. This meant "Purity of the World and the Faith." Her name was also announced during important prayers.

Challenges and Achievements

Kutlugh Turkan worked to strengthen her family's position. In 1265, she visited the new ruler, Abaqa Khan. She managed to get the city of Sirjan for her daughter, Padishah Khatun. Her daughter later married Abaqa Khan in 1272.

Her rule was not always easy. Her sons, Hajjaj and Suyurghatmish, challenged her right to rule. They even caused trouble for her. She had to move to Sirjan, where her daughter was ruling. Hajjaj soon proved to be a weak ruler. He had to flee the country the next year.

Later, her stepson Suyurghatmish arrived in Kerman. He forced her to make him a co-ruler in 1280. She then complained to her daughter, Padishah Khatun. Her daughter helped her by getting an order from the Ilkhan. This order stopped her stepson from interfering in Kirman's affairs.

A Golden Age for Kirman

The last years of Kutlugh Turkan's rule were very successful. People called it a "golden age" for Kirman. She cared deeply for her people. In 1263-1264, she built public granaries. These were places to store grain, which helped her subjects.

She also funded many public projects. These included building fortresses in 1279. She also built schools (called madrasas), hospitals, and mosques. She even built qanats, which are special water systems. She also supported at least 16 charitable organizations.

In 1282, a new Ilkhan ruler, Ahmad Tekuder, came to power. He decided to give the throne of Kirman to her stepson, Suyurghatmish. This was influenced by Suyurghatmish's mother. Kutlugh Turkan traveled to the Mongol court in Tabriz to protest. But her efforts were not successful. She died in the summer of 1283 in Tabriz. She was buried in the Gubba-i Sabz Mausoleum in Kerman.

Family Members

Kutlugh Turkan married Qutb al-Din Mohammad in 1235. They had at least three children:

• Muzaffar al-Din Hajjaj Sultan
• Padishah Khatun — She married Abaqa Khan, and later Gaykhatu.
• Bibi Turkan — She married Adud al-Din Amir Hajji, and then Shams al-Din b. Malik Tazigu.