Russian research on the interrelations of the Golden Horde with the Ilkhans of Iran and the Chaghatayids

Abstract

The main reason of wars between the khans of the Golden Horde and the Ilkhans of Iran was the claim of the Djochids on Arran and Azerbaidjan. These territories, being the main trading centres between East and West, were very important both from the economic and strategic point of view. It is known that in addition to the state of the Ilkhans, the Golden Horde also had tense relations with the Ulus of Chaghatay. Thus, for instance, Berke actively defended the interests of the Djochids in the power struggle with both the Ulus of Hulegu and that of Chaghatay. In the 14th century the Chaghatayid Kebek Khan had torn with the Mongolian nomadic tradition and supported transition to a settled way of life, thereby trying to get control of the ancient civilised region of Transoxania. Monetary systems of similar character came about both in the Golden Horde, in the Ulus of Chaghatay and in the state of the Ilkhans practically at the same time. Under favourable circumstances this system could have promoted intensification of the development of trade and economic relations among these states, but the hostilities between the Huleguids and the Golden Horde on the one hand, and the Chaghatayids and the Huleguids on the other, acted in an adverse direction. The essential factor of the fierce struggle between these Mongol uluses was the opposition of two factions that existed inside the Mongolian elite: one supported the settled way of life while the other was defender of the military-nomadic life. They disagreed on their attitude towards the conquered peoples, economy and religion. The struggle of these directions runs all through the history of the Ulus of Djochi and the states of the Huleguids and Chaghatayids.