An Investigation of the Political and Military Role of Pahlavanan during the Rule of Ale-Muzaffars

During turbulent socio-political situations after the Mongol invasion and especially after the decline of the Ilkhanates (1256-1335 AD), the conditions were paved for a group of Pahlavanan (= Heroes) to act and play a role in some parts of Iran and the domains of local rules. Linked to the era of the Mongol Ilkhans, Pahlavanan acted out various roles during Ale-Muzaffars period. The present study examined the political and military role of Pahlavanan during the rule of Ale-Muzaffars (1314-1393 AD), who themselves were in close ties and connections with the Pahlavani traditions. Some of Pahlavanan were powerful military commanders who played a role in the external and internal events of Ale-Muzaffars. Holding the position of a military commander for a long time, some of them came to power in some provinces, and lastly, some gained so much power that claimed to rule and confront Ale-Muzaffars. Such disobediences indicated the structural weaknesses of Ale-Muzaffars on the one hand and showed that Pahlavanan, under the influence of the prevailing atmosphere of the society during the 8th century AH, inclined towards behaviours such as rebellion against rulers, hypocrisy, betrayal, and deception. Along with other groups, some of Pahlavanan played grounding roles in ensuring the political and economic security of the Ale-Muzaffars rule.