Zand dynasty

The Zand dynasty was an Iranian dynasty that ruled in Persia 1750-1794 and emerged from the Kurdish tribe of the Lak.

After the assassination of Nadir Shah in 1747 again broke out power struggles in Persia. In these Karim Khan Zand (1750-1779) prevailed in southern Persia and made Shiraz his residence. Until 1762, Azerbaijan was subjected, so that the Afschariden only able to maintain in Khorasan.

Through a fair tax policy, the expansion of irrigation systems and promoting India trade, there was a significant prosperity in Persia under the rule Karim Khan. Also, Shiraz developed by promoting the Zand an important cultural center. Karim Khan had been titled as Shah not, but took over as ruler of the Safavid Ismail III. the deputy - title Vakil on (hence the names Vakil Mosque and Vakil Bazaar).

Under his successors the Dynasty was significantly weakened by infighting and the drop of the Turkmen tribes in northern Persia. 1788 conquered the Turkmen under Aga Muhammad Khan Qajar Shiraz after the betrayal of the local governor. Lotf Ali Khan continued his resistance, however, away from Kerman from. In 1794, this city also fell to the Qajar, was the final disposal of the Zand dynasty. At the conquest 20,000 men were blinded, women and children enslaved.