KARIM KHAN

(?-1779)

Karim Khan was the founder of the KurdishZanddynasty that ruled most ofPersiafrom 1751 until 1794. The Zands belonged to theLaks, 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 ofwakil 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 ontribaltraditions common among theLakandLurnomads. 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.