Al-Tai vs Ghazan Khan

Al-Tai became caliph after the abdication of his father Al-Muti. His reign continued the pattern of Buyid domination, with the caliph serving as a ceremonial figurehead.

Al-Tai was deposed by the Buyid emir Baha al-Dawla, who replaced him with Al-Qadir. This event demonstrated the Buyids' complete control over the caliphate, as they could appoint and depose caliphs at will.

Al-Tai died in obscurity after his deposition, having lived under Buyid supervision. His death marked the end of a reign that symbolized the Abbasid caliphate's complete subordination to foreign dynasties.

Ghazan implemented a comprehensive reform program including tax reform, standardization of weights and measures, land redistribution, and the establishment of a new legal code. He also reformed the military and postal system, stabilizing the Ilkhanate after decades of instability.

Ghazan converted to Islam upon ascending the throne, becoming the first Ilkhan to adopt the faith. He publicly declared Islam the state religion, ordered the destruction of Buddhist temples and churches, and adopted the name Mahmud. This transformed the Ilkhanate's identity.

Ghazan patronized scholars, historians, and scientists, including the vizier Rashid al-Din, who wrote the Jami' al-tawarikh, a world history. Ghazan also built observatories, hospitals, and mosques, contributing to the cultural flowering of the Ilkhanate.

Ghazan led three major invasions of Mamluk Syria, capturing Damascus and Aleppo in 1299

Ghazan's Mongol army defeated the Mamluks under Sultan Al-Nasir Muhammad at Wadi al-Khaznadar near Homs. The victory allowed the Mongols to occupy Damascus and Aleppo, but they withdrew after a few months due to logistical problems and the need to return to Persia.