KARIM KHAN

(?-1779)

   Karim Khan was the founder of the Kurdish Zand dynasty that ruled most of Persia from 1751 until 1794. The Zands belonged to the Laks, who had returned to their homeland in western Persia from where they had been deported to northern Khurasan.

   Having no claim to the title of shah, Karim Khan assumed that of wakil al-dawla, or regent. For the most part, he brought a period of sorely needed peace to Persia. Eventually he established his capital in Shiraz, enriching it with magnificent buildings, some of which still stand. He also developed commerce, handicrafts, and agriculture and encouraged foreign trade. His paternal monarchy was based on tribal traditions common among the Lak and Lur nomads. His bodily strength, skill in arms, sense of humor, and concern for his people's welfare have become the stuff of folktales. He died of tuberculosis.