Unnatural deaths among the Ilkhanate state

In the medieval world, the Mongols emerged as one of the most powerful and influential states of their era. Initially comprised of small and scattered tribes, the Mongols united under the leadership of Genghis Khan, expanding their borders beyond Asia and establishing an empire that reshaped world history. Many states of the time could not withstand the Mongol invasions and were inevitably overthrown. Founded in the 13th century, the Mongol Empire, despite being a relatively short-lived state in official terms, managed to conquer millions of square kilometers and secure an unparalleled position in history. After Genghis Khan's death, the empire continued to be governed by his descendants and eventually fell in 1368. However, the culture and influence of the Mongols persisted long after the empire's collapse, carried forward by various Mongol states and khanates. In this context, the Ilkhanate stands out as one of the khanates that emerged following the disintegration of the Mongol Empire. Established in 1256 in Iran under the authority of the Mongol Khan Möngke, the Ilkhanate was founded by his brother Hülegü Khan as a subordinate entity to Karakorum. Hülegü was tasked by Möngke with fulfilling three major objectives: first, the elimination of the Hashashin (Assassins); second, the termination of the Abbasid Caliphate; and third, the establishment of control over Syria and Egypt. While the first two objectives were successfully accomplished, the third—domination over Syria and Egypt—remained unresolved and continued as a key political objective for the Ilkhanate. Throughout history, internal issues have posed significant challenges to the stability of states, and the Ilkhanate was no exception. From its inception, internal rivalries and political conflicts weakened its administrative structure. Struggles for the throne among members of the ruling dynasty, efforts by high-ranking officials to exert influence over governance, and internal disputes within the ruling elite undermined both the political and administrative stability of the Ilkhanate. These conflicts often culminated in assassinations and mysterious deaths, which not only hindered the state's recovery efforts but also diminished its ability to assert itself as a significant power in foreign policy. The death of Abu Sa'id Bahadur Khan marked a critical turning point for the Ilkhanate, accelerating its collapse. Following his death, the state experienced a profound power vacuum, escalating political instability, and intensified internal struggles. The ensuing political intrigues and throne contests ultimately prevented the Ilkhanate from maintaining its position as a regional power. This study examines the internal conflicts within the Ilkhanate, the resulting political and administrative crises, and their detrimental effects on the state. By shedding light on the collapse of the Ilkhanate, the research aims to provide a deeper understanding of the structural challenges and historical dynamics faced by this Mongol successor state.