were not neglected. Many of his large
caravansaries which bear his name remain to this day. Isphahan, his
capital, in a brief period of his reign, doubled its population. His
tolerance was remarkable, considering the character of his ancestors
and subjects, for he encouraged the Armenian Christians to settle in
the country, well knowing that their peaceable industrious habits would
enhance the prosperity of his kingdom. His successors were Shah Sufi
(1628-41), Shah Abbos II, (1641-66), and Shah Soliman (1666-94). During
the reign of Shah Sultan Hussein (1694-1722), a weak and foolish
prince, priests and slaves were elevated to high offices and the
Sunnites suffered sore persecution. The result was that Afghan besieged
the king in Isphahan. Hussein abdicated the throne in favor of his
conqueror, who ultimately became insane and suffered deposition in 1725
at the hands of his brother, Ashrab. The atrocious tyranny of Ashrab
was suddenly checked by the celebrated Nadir-Shah. Hussein and Ashrab
belonged to the dynasty of Syydes, a holy sect, descendants of their
prophet, Mohammed. Nadir-Shah was one of the greatest warriors of
Persia. He raised Tah-Masip (1729-82) and his son Abbos III (1732-36),
of the Suffivian race, to the throne and then on some frivolous
pretext, deposed Abbos III, and seized the scepter himself (1736-47).
Nadir was assassinated by Imam-Kuli--Khan, of Oroomiah, whose
descendants now live very near our Mission Station in Oroomiah. Again
after the murder of Nadir, Persia was divided into many independent
states and became a field of blood. Bloogistan and Afghaniston became
independent till 1755 when a Kurd, Karim Khan (1755-79), abolished this
state of affairs, reestablished peace and unity in western Persia, and
by his justice, wisdom, and warlike talents acquired both the esteem of
his subjects and the respect of the neighboring states. He received the
title, "Father of Persia." Karim Khan was succeeded in 1784 by
Al-Murad, then by Jaafor and the latter by Lutf-Ali-Merza.

[Illustration: KING KARIM KHAN KURD.]

During Lutf-Ali's reign, Mazandaron became independent under Agha
Mohammed Khan a Turkoman. Lutf-Ali-Merza rushed on Mazandaron and
killed all the relations of Mohammed Khan who were ruling there, and
took captive Agha Mohammed Khan a boy only six years old, making him a
eunuch. This boy was of Kojor race. When he was in the harem of
Lutf-Ali, he kept thinking how his cruel master murdered his