The Sādāt’ Niqābat in the Ilkhanate Period

Some social strata in Iranian society underwent changes and transformations during the Ilkhanate period of the Mongols. The Sādāt were one of these strata whose value and prestige increased during the Ilkhanate era. The Ilkhans considered the Sādāt as the social elite of the Iranian society and held them in special respect. Sādāt were predominantly Shia, which further endeared them to the Mongols because the Shiites were more trusted by the Mongols than the Sunnis. The attribution of certain miracles to the Sādāt doubled their credibility among the Mongols. This article addresses the question of what special privileges the Sādāt enjoyed during the Ilkhanate period. The present study, using a descriptive-analytical research method and library data collection approach from primary historical sources, examines the social, economic, political, and managerial status of the Sādāt t during the Ilkhanate period of the Mongols. The findings indicated that the Sādāt were exempt from taxes. With the support of the Ilkhanid rulers, they attained important managerial positions and often held responsibilities and benefits related to endowments. After embracing Islam, the Ilkhans sought to get married with the Sādāt, demonstrating their commitment to Islam and portraying themselves as the rightful inheritors of governing authority over Muslims.