The Ilkhanate was one of the four successor states to the Mongol Empire, centered on Persia (modern Iran).

It was founded by Hulagu Khan, a grandson of Genghis Khan, after his conquests in the Middle East.

The Ilkhanate's rulers, initially followers of Buddhism and shamanism, governed a predominantly Muslim population.

The sack of Baghdad in 1258 by Hulagu marked the end of the Abbasid Caliphate.

The Ilkhanate engaged in frequent conflicts with the Golden Horde to the north and the Mamluks of Egypt to the west.

Over time, the Mongol rulers of the Ilkhanate gradually assimilated into Persian culture.

A key turning point was the conversion of the Ilkhan Ghazan to Islam in 1295, which was followed by the mass conversion of the Mongol elite.

This period saw a flourishing of art and science, with a notable blending of Persian and Chinese artistic styles.

The Ilkhanate maintained diplomatic and commercial contacts with European powers.

The state began to disintegrate in the mid-14th century due to internal power struggles after the last strong Ilkhan died without an heir.