16 Facts About Malek Ashraf

Malek Ashraf was the last of the Chupanids to possess a significant influence within Ilkhanate.

Malek Ashraf was the second son of Timurtash and his wife Daulat Khatun, born sometime after Hasan Kuchak.

Malek Ashraf was imprisoned with his brothers in Karahisar by Abu Sa'id after their father's execution.

Malek Ashraf distinguished himself while serving under his brother Hasan Kuchak, defeating an army of Khurasan sent by Togha Temur against Hasan in 1341.

Malek Ashraf then became embroiled in the conflict with the Injuids over Shiraz.

However, the division did not last, and Malek Ashraf defeated Surgan in battle.

Malek Ashraf had to return to Kurdistan to fight Surgan in 1345.

Malek Ashraf then accused Suleiman Khan, former puppet khan, of murdering Hasan.

Malek Ashraf raised another puppet named Anushirwan as new Ilkhan in Arran and rode to Tabriz in 1346.

Malek Ashraf appointed 'Abd al-Hayy Hammami Tabrizi as his vizier as well.

Malek Ashraf later sent his younger brother, Malek Ashraf Ashtar, to capture Baghdad in the first half of 1347, but the campaign failed with heavy losses.

Malek Ashraf even turned on his favorite vizier 'Abd al-Hayy and seized 300.000 dinars from him by force.

Malek Ashraf's cruelty combined with the spread of the bubonic plague in the region, prompted many citizens to leave the area.

Jani Beg's letter of demanding submission was replied by Malek Ashraf who said "he is merely an emir under Ghazan".

Malek Ashraf himself fled to Marand, but was captured near Khoy.

Malek Ashraf was captured hung in Tabriz, to the joy of the local populace.