Shiism in Azarbayejan during the epoch of the pagan Ilkhans (656 - 694 A.H.)

Coinciding with the establishment of the Ilkhanid government in Iran (656 A.H.) and on account of the placement of the central government in Azarbayejan, this province became the favorite place for the Shiites. The pressence of Khajeh Nasir Al-din Tousi (died 672 A.H.) in Azarbayejan who was a shiite scholar and very influential in the Ilkhanid government can be counted as a breakthrough of the shiite influence in this area. On account of the exellent situation wich Khajeh had among the Ilkhanid kings, especially Holaku Khan, he was able to defend the interests of the Shiites. He held endowments institutions and began to use the Shiites in this institution and promoted their conditions. At the same time, the great number of Shiites who had set for Azarbayejan on account of the benevolence of Khajeh could pave the way for the continual pressence of the Shiites in Azarbayejan.