Abu Said (Qara Qoyunlu)

Abu Said (died 1469) was the ruler of the Qara Qoyunlu (Black Sheep Turkmen) tribal confederation from 1452 until his death. He was the son of Jahan Shah, whom he succeeded.

Abu Said's reign was marked by internal strife and external threats, primarily from the Aq Qoyunlu (White Sheep Turkmen) under Uzun Hasan. He inherited a realm weakened by rebellions and economic difficulties. While Jahan Shah had attempted to consolidate Qara Qoyunlu power and expand their territory, these efforts were ultimately unsuccessful in the long run.

Abu Said faced significant challenges in maintaining control over his diverse and often unruly tribal subjects. The Qara Qoyunlu's authority was frequently challenged by local emirs and rival factions vying for power.

The main event of his reign was the war against Uzun Hasan. This conflict, fueled by territorial disputes and rivalry for dominance in Azerbaijan and surrounding regions, proved decisive. In 1468, Uzun Hasan decisively defeated Jahan Shah, resulting in his death.

Following Jahan Shah's death, Abu Said attempted to continue the struggle against Uzun Hasan. However, he was ultimately unsuccessful. He was captured and killed in 1469, effectively ending Qara Qoyunlu rule and paving the way for the Aq Qoyunlu to establish their dominance over the region. His death marked the collapse of the Qara Qoyunlu as a major political force.