Qara Qoyunlu history overview with rulers

The Qara Qoyunlu, also known as the Black Sheep Turkomans, were a Turkoman tribal confederation that ruled over parts of present-day Iran, Iraq, and eastern Turkey during the 15th century. Here's an overview of their history and notable rulers: 1. **Foundation:** - The Qara Qoyunlu emerged in the early 14th century in the region of present-day Azerbaijan, amidst the collapse of the Ilkhanate. - The founder of the dynasty was Qara Yusuf. 2. **Expansion and Consolidation:** - Under the leadership of Qara Yusuf and his successors, the Qara Qoyunlu expanded their territory through military conquests and alliances. - They established control over significant parts of Anatolia, Mesopotamia, and western Iran. 3. **Conflicts with Neighboring Powers: - The Qara Qoyunlu were often in conflict with neighboring powers, including the Timurids, the Aq Qoyunlu, and the emerging Safavid Empire. - They engaged in frequent warfare with the Aq Qoyunlu for control over the region. 4. **Golden Age: - The Qara Qoyunlu reached their zenith under the rule of Jahan Shah, who expanded their territory and fostered a period of cultural and economic prosperity. - Jahan Shah was a patron of the arts and sciences, and his court attracted scholars and intellectuals from across the Islamic world. 5. **Decline and Fragmentation:** - After Jahan Shah's death in 1467, the Qara Qoyunlu entered a period of decline and internal strife. - Succession disputes and conflicts among rival factions weakened the dynasty, leading to the fragmentation of their territory. 6. **End of the Dynasty:** - The Qara Qoyunlu were ultimately defeated by the rising Safavid Empire under Shah Ismail I. - In the Battle of Chapakchur (also known as the Battle of Tabriz) in 1501, Shah Ismail decisively defeated the Qara Qoyunlu forces, leading to the collapse of their dynasty. - The Safavids absorbed the remnants of the Qara Qoyunlu territories into their empire. Notable rulers of the Qara Qoyunlu dynasty include: - Qara Yusuf - Jahan Shah - Ali Beg The Qara Qoyunlu's brief but significant presence in the region played a crucial role in shaping the political dynamics of the Middle East during the 15th century.