Which Mongols leaders conversion to Islam what do long-term affects on the religion in Iran

Answer 1

The conversion of Mongol leaders, particularly Ilkhan Ghazan Khan in the 13th century, had significant long-term effects on the religion in Iran.

1. Promotion of Islam: The conversion of Mongol leaders to Islam helped in the promotion and spread of the religion in Iran. Ghazan Khan actively promoted Islam by introducing Islamic laws and practices, encouraging conversions, and supporting the construction and restoration of mosques and religious institutions.

2. Cultural Influence: The Mongols brought their own cultural practices and traditions to Iran, blending them with the existing Persian culture. This Mongol influence had lasting effects on Iranian Islamic art, architecture, literature, and dress. It resulted in a unique fusion of Mongol and Persian elements, shaping the cultural landscape of Iran.

3. Persian-Islamic Renaissance: The Mongol period in Iran marked a renaissance in Persian-Islamic civilization, known as the "Ilkhanid Renaissance." The Mongol rulers patronized Persian scholars, poets, theologians, and philosophers, leading to the revival of Persian-language literature and the development of new schools of thought in Islam, such as the philosophy of the Illuminationist School.

4. Political Significance: The conversion of Mongol leaders to Islam provided legitimacy to their rule in the eyes of the local population. It helped establish stability and ensured the continuity of Islamic governance in Iran under Mongol rule. Mongol leaders integrated themselves and their administration with the existing Persian bureaucracy, adopting administrative practices and institutions which were influenced by Islamic principles.

5. Sectarian Tensions: The conversion of Mongol leaders to Islam also exacerbated sectarian tensions in Iran. Ghazan Khan, although initially a Sunni, later converted to Shia Islam, which created divisions and conflict between the two sects. This religious divide persisted through the centuries and continues to shape the religious landscape of Iran.

Overall, the conversion of Mongol leaders to Islam had far-reaching effects on the religion in Iran, promoting its spread, contributing to cultural developments, fostering a Persian-Islamic renaissance, establishing political stability, and fueling sectarian tensions.