Zeynal Khan Begdeli Shamlu

Zeynal Khan Shamlu was a high-ranking dignitary in Safavid Iran, who served as the vakil (regent) and sepahsalar (commander-in-chief) of Shah Safi from March 1629 to 17 July 1630. His tenure ended when he was murdered under the orders of Shah Safi for suffering a military defeat against the Ottoman Empire.

Biography Under Shah Abbas I (r. 1587–1629) Zeynal Khan Shamlu was a member of the Shamlu tribe. He was a cousin of Naqd Ali Beg, who was sent as an ambassador to England in 1626–27. Zeynal Khan was likely the same Zeynal Khan Shamlu who had been sent as an ambassador the Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II in 1604. In 1620, he was sent as an ambassador to the court of the Mughal Empire. From 1625 until an unknown date, he served as the governor of the city of Ray, succeeding Aliqoli Beg Geramillu Shamlu.

Zeynal Khan was closely associated with Zeynab Begum, the aunt of Shah Abbas I . The Qizilbash's traditional loyalty and reverence for the Safavid family had established this close bond. Zeynab Begum held personal connections to the Shamlu tribe through her mentor Shah Ali Beg and her previous marriage to Ali-Qoli Khan Shamlu. Following the death of Shah Abbas I, Zeynal Khan and Zeynab Begum worked together in the Mazandaran province to secure support for Safi by collection signatures from high-ranking officials.

Under Shah Safi (r. 1629–1642) When Shah Safi ascended the throne on 29 January 1629, Zeynal Khan served as the eshik-aqasi-bashi (master of ceremonies) of the divan, which he would hold until 1630. At the time of Shah Safi's accession, several high-ranking figures sought to expand their influence by exploiting his inexperience. The most important of these figures were Zeynal Khan, Isa Khan Shaykhavand, Khalifeh Soltan, Rostam Khan and Abo'l-Qasem Teymur Beg Ev-oghli.

On 20 or 21 March 1629, during Nowruz (Iranian New Year), Zeynal Khan was appointed as the vakil (regent) of the realm. His appointment was possibly a requirement made by Zeynab Begum in exchange for her returning to the harem, which she had done 10 days before. A few days later, he was appointed as sepahsalar (commander-in-chief) due to his close relationship with Shah Safi, which allowed him to further increase his authority and renown. Beforehand, the sepahsalar office had been vacant since 1626, and the vakil office since 1588.

In early May 1630, Zeynal Khan was defeated by the Ottoman Empire at the Battle of Marivan. As a result, he was killed under the orders of Shah Safi. It was carried on 17 July 1630 out by an old eunuch of the harem, Bahram. To discourage treason and military weakness, Zeynal Khan's severed head was displayed on a stake in the military camp. Rostam Khan, for his subsequent victories against the Ottomans, was later appointed as sepahsalar. The vakil office remained vacant until 1722.