The Mongol Defection That Changed History: The Case of the Jalayirids

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore a crucial but often overlooked factor in the fragmentation of the Mongol Empire: the defection of the Jalayirid clan. After the death of the Ilkhan Abu Sa'id in 1335, the Jalayirids, led by Hasan Buzurg, carved out their own sultanate in Iraq and western Iran, breaking away from the Ilkhanate. This episode traces the roots of the Jalayirid rise, from their service under the early Mongols as hereditary commanders to their pivotal role in the post-Ilkhanate power struggles. Lucas explains how the Jalayirids exploited the chaos following Abu Sa'id's death, using their military experience and political savvy to establish a dynasty that lasted until the rise of Timur. The discussion also covers the cultural patronage of the Jalayirids in Baghdad and Tabriz, their conflicts with the Chobanids, and the eventual eclipse by Timur. Key figures include Hasan Buzurg, his wife Dilshad Khatun, and his rival Hasan Kuchak. The dialogue avoids rehashing prior episodes' themes, focusing instead on the mechanics of defection and the role of a single clan in unraveling Mongol unity. #Jalayirids #HasanBuzurg #Ilkhanate #MongolEmpire #AbuSaid #Tabriz #Baghdad #Chobanids #Timur #DilshadKhatun #HasanKuchak #Iraq #Iran #14thCentury #MongolSuccession #History #FexingoHistory #MedievalHistory #GenghisKhan #KublaiKhan Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo