Administrative-Political Organization of Herat in the Ilkhanate Era

Administrative-Political Organization of Herat in the Ilkhanate Era

Khorasan, as one of the eastern and significant provinces of Iran during the Khwarazmian era, was among the first regions to be invaded by the Mongol hordes, suffering considerable damage as a result. Merv, Nishapur, Balkh, and Herat, the four quarters of the vast Khorasan province, were each regarded as thriving centers of knowledge, culture, and art in the not-so-distant past. However, this historical invasion led to changes in the growth and development of the four quarters of Khorasan. As sources indicate, prior to the Mongol invasion, the cities of Nishapur and Merv held more importance than Herat and Balkh; yet, following this event, Herat managed to regain its position due to the presence of a powerful and politically astute family, transforming into one of the prosperous and important regions of Iran, especially during the Ilkhanate period.

It is noteworthy that although Khorasan was directly administered by the central court during the rule of the Hulaquids and was essentially considered the province of the crown prince of Iran, during this time, the Al-Kart family in Herat succeeded in establishing themselves as one of the powers of Iran, asserting their authority over the contemporary Ilkhans and maintaining their independent local governance throughout this period. This research aims to briefly examine the situation of Herat during the Ilkhanate era and the relationship of the Al-Kart family as its rulers with the ruling Ilkhanid dynasty.

Shideh / N. Azimi