Abaqa Khan

Abaqa Khan (1234-1282) reigned from 1265-1282, the son of Hulegu and Oroqina Khatun, a Mongol Christian, was the second Il-Khan emperor in Persia.

During his reign, Abaqa, a devout Buddhist, attempted to convert the Muslims and harassing them mercilessly by promoting Nestorian and Buddhist interests ahead of the Muslims, by sending embassies to Pope Gregory X and Edward I of England. During his harsh reign, many Muslims had attempted to assassinate Abaqa. In 1265, upon his succession, he received the hand of Maria Despina Palaiologina, the illegitimate daughter of Emperor Michael VIII Palaeologus, in marriage.

At the time of Hulegu's death, Abaqa, on his father's behalf, continued to fight with Berke Khan's forces until 1267, the time of Berke's death. He fought on his father's behalf after Hulegu, his father, died of illness in 1265. However, Barrak Khan tried to annex Iran in 1270 and thus starting war against Abaqa in the city of Herat. Abaqa successfully defended Iran, leaving his people victorious. Abaqa was succeeded by his Muslim brother Tekuder.