Malek Ashraf

Who was Malek Ashraf?

Malek Ashraf, was a Chupanid ruler of northwestern Iran during the 14th century. He was the last of the Chupanids to possess a significant influence within Persia. He was the son of Timurtash.

Malek Asraf distinguished himself while serving under his brother Hasan Kucek, defeating an army of Khurasan sent by Togha Temur against Hasan in 1341. He then became embroiled in the conflict with the Injuids over Shiraz. Malek Asraf received a request for assistance by the Injuid Abu Ishaq against the former's cousin Pir Hosayn, following which Malek defeated Pir Hosayn in August 1342, allowing Abu Ishaq to temporarily regain control of Shiraz.

Upon the death of Hasan Kucek in 1343, the Chobanid lands were at first split between Malek and his uncles Yagi Basti and Surgan. However, the division did not last, and Malek defeated Surgan in battle. After having Yagi Basti murdered, he again triumphed over Surgan in 1345. Having unified the Chobanid lands, he placed a puppet on the throne and ruled in his name.

Malek soon became embroiled with the Jalayirids, under the rule of Hasan Buzurg. Malek sent his brother, Malek Astar, to capture Baghdad in the first half of 1347, but the campaign failed with heavy losses. In 1350 he also attempted to wrest Fars from the Injuids, but failed to take Isfahan and was forced to settle for tribute.