Karim Khan, Muhammad
Karim Khan, Muhammad
Born 1704 or 1705; died 1779. Founder of the Zand dynasty in Iran.
Karim Khan ruled as regent from 1760 to 1779. After putting an end to internecine feudal strife, Karim Khan united the country for a time and fostered the development of Iran’s economy and foreign trade. In Shiraz, which he proclaimed as the capital in 1760, a palace, mosque, bazaar, caravansary, and other buildings were constructed.