Timurtash

Timurtash (also spelled Timur Taş) was a powerful Mongol commander and governor in Anatolia during the Ilkhanate period, specifically during the reign of Abu Sa'id Bahadur Khan. He was the son of Chupan (Coban), a highly influential and near-regal figure within the Ilkhanate.

Timurtash served as the Ilkhanate's governor of Rum (Anatolia) starting around 1317 or 1319. He initially implemented harsh measures and high taxation, leading to considerable discontent and rebellion among the local populace. His policies aimed to solidify Ilkhanate control and extract revenue from the region.

However, Timurtash eventually adopted a more independent stance and even began styling himself as a sultan. He capitalized on the weakening central authority of the Ilkhanate under Abu Sa'id and exploited the existing resentment against Ilkhanate rule. This ambition and increasingly autonomous behavior ultimately led to his downfall.

In 1327, fearing Timurtash's growing power and potential rebellion, Abu Sa'id summoned him back to the Ilkhanate court. Timurtash, aware of the danger, fled to Mamluk Egypt, where he was initially welcomed by Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad. However, under pressure from Abu Sa'id, al-Nasir Muhammad eventually had Timurtash executed in 1328. His death marked the end of his independent rule in Anatolia and solidified Abu Sa'id's, albeit weakening, control over the region. Timurtash's actions are seen as a significant precursor to the eventual disintegration of the Ilkhanate's control over Anatolia and the rise of various Turkish Beyliks (principalities).