In 1256

In 1256, under the authority of Great Khan Möngke, Hülegü Khan launched his campaign into Western Asia, particularly Persia, laying the foundation for what would later become the Ilkhanate. During this campaign, he conquered the Nizari Isma'ili State,... More

In 1256, under the authority of Great Khan Möngke, Hülegü Khan launched his campaign into Western Asia, particularly Persia, laying the foundation for what would later become the Ilkhanate. During this campaign, he conquered the Nizari Isma'ili State, better known in the West as the Assassins. Before advancing into their territory, Hülegü Khan sent a letter to the Assassins' leader, Imam Rukn al-Din Khurshah. In the letter, he demanded that Khurshah demolish all of his mountain fortresses and surrender. He warned that if they resisted, the Nizari Isma'ili State would be completely destroyed. This painting portrays the moment when Khurshah contemplates his response to Hülegü's ultimatum. Faced with an impossible choice, he had to decide whether to surrender in order to protect his people or to resist and risk the destruction of his state and its inhabitants. 1256 онд Мөнх хааны удирдлагын дор Хүлэгү хаан Ил Хаант улсыг байгуулахаар Ойрх Дорнод буюу Персийн газар нутгийг байлдан дагуулах Less