Abdullah Khan II

The most capable ruler of the Shaybanid dynasty and the builder of Bukhara.

Life

Royal house

Abdallah was a member of the Shaybanid royal house. He gained Bukhara in 1557, governed in his father's name, and was formally enthroned as khan in 1583.

Unified Transoxiana

He put down the regional strongholds of rival princes, unified Transoxiana, and expanded abroad, taking Balkh, Herat, and Mashhad in Khorasan and contending with the Safavid dynasty for Khorasan.

Builder of Bukhara

At home he built many caravanserais, bridges, canals, and madrasas; many of Bukhara's historic buildings date from his time. In his last years he fell out with his son; he died in 1598, and the Shaybanid dynasty declined soon after.

Legacy

The reign of Abdullah Khan II was the zenith of the Shaybanid dynasty, and the caravanserais and irrigation works he built remained in use for a long time.

Did you know? Bukhara still has a madrasa named after him.

Key dates

• 1557Gains Bukhara
• 1583Formally enthroned as khan
• 1588Takes Herat
• 1598Died