Mutahharten

Muṭahharten (Persian: مـطـهـرتــن), also known as Ṭaharten (طهـرتــن; died late 1403), was Emir of Erzincan from 1379 until his death. He claimed sovereignty when he assumed power, which prompted Sultan ʿAlāʾ al-Dīn 'Ali to go on an expedition to reinstate Eretnid authority over Erzincan. While Muṭahharten ultimately repelled 'Ali, the latter was eventually replaced by his vizier Qāḍī Burhān al-Dīn, who was determined to restore the sultanate's former boundaries. Burhān al-Dīn and Muṭahharten were involved in a long-lasting conflict, which was interrupted by the advent of Timur. In grave fear of him, Muṭahharten contently swore allegiance and halted his campaigns in Anatolia, but Timur’s departure reignited the conflict between Muṭahharten and Burhān al-Dīn. Often overpowered by his enemies, Muṭahharten forged alliances with various groups but did not hesitate to turn against his former allies when he saw fit, such as the Aq Qoyunlu. On the other hand, Muṭahharten's relations with the Empire of Trebizond and his Christian subjects were consistent, as he favored them for their economic contribution to his realm through trade.

After Qāḍī Burhān al-Dīn's death, Muṭahharten faced a new threat from the Ottoman state, when Bayezid I demanded he surrender Erzincan. Muṭahharten instead relied on Timur's strength and found himself in the midst of the Ottoman–Timurid conflict. Although Timur conquered Sivas in August 1400, Bayezid took Erzincan the next year, imprisoning Muṭahharten for a short period. Muṭahharten continued supporting Timur until he died in late 1403. His death signaled the nearing end for the Emirate of Erzincan.