Kalhoroi

The Kalhoroi were a Shia Muslim dynasty of Kurdish origin that ruled over a large territory in northwestern Persia, primarily in the region of the Zagros Mountains, from the early 15th century until the late 18th century. Their domain was centered around the city of Kermanshah.

The Kalhoroi rose to prominence during a period of political fragmentation in Persia. They were known for their military prowess and administrative capabilities, often acting as semi-autonomous rulers under the nominal suzerainty of larger empires, such as the Safavids and later the Afsharids and Zands. Their territory served as a strategic buffer zone between Persian and Ottoman spheres of influence.

The dynasty was characterized by a complex system of tribal loyalties and regional governance. They played a significant role in the defense of Persia's western frontiers against Ottoman incursions. Over time, their power gradually waned due to internal strife and the rise of stronger centralized Persian states. The Kalhoroi were eventually supplanted by the Qajar dynasty in the late 18th century, marking the end of their independent rule. Their legacy is primarily found in historical accounts and their impact on the political and social landscape of western Persia.