a precaution. Eventually on the plea of his mother, Firuza Begum, he was freed and he rejoined Abul-Qasim Babur Mirza till the latter's death two years later. Period of Anarchy in Khurasan Following Babur's death in 1457, a period of anarchy ensued in Khurasan. Economic instability and lack of central authority with frequent regime changes invited the invasion of the region by the ruler of Samarkand, Abu Sa'id Mirza who occupied Herat on July 19, 1457. But Abu Sa'id Mirza immediately abandoned the city in order to deal with troubles at home. Next came the invasion of the Kara Koyunlu leader, Jahan Shah who took Mazandaran. During this chaotic time Khurasan was divided into many territories; Asterabad to Sabzevar – Muzaffar-al-Din Jahan Shah ibn Yusuf of Kara Koyunlu Balkh – Abu Sa'id Mirza, ruler of Transoxiana Abivard – Ala al-Dawla Mirza Herat – Ibrahim Mirza Tus & Imad Fortress – Shah Mahmud Mirza Marv – Sultan Sanjar Mirza Sistan, Farah & Isfizar – Malik Qasim ibn Amir Iskander Turkmen, an Amir. In Merv and Khwarazm Husayn Bayqara, unable to compete with these rivals, adopted the life of a mercenary and joined Sultan Sanjar Mirza of Merv who married him to his daughter, Beqa Sultan Begum. To them was born Badi' al-Zaman Mirza. Sultan Sanjar Mirza and Husayn Bayqara got along well, but in June/July 1457 when Sanjar appointed Husayn in charge of the city while he was absent, Husayn tried to take power. This was due to him suspecting that the chief dignitary, Hasan Arlat was plotting to kill him. Amirs loyal to Sanjar revolted and the attempt failed. Husayn Bayqara was forced to escape with just five horsemen. But outside the city he was joined by the head of security of trade caravans of Iranji sector, Hasan Charkas and his 200 men. This would become Husayn Bayqara's first mercenary force. To solidify this new relationship, he married Hasan Charkas' daughter, Afāk Begum. He was chased by Sanjar Mirza to Karakum Desert. He was continuously pursued until he was forced to march towards Khwarazm, where he remained between the deserts of Marv and Khiva. Timurid-Kara Koyunlu Conflict Recognizing the weakness of Timurid authority in Herat, Jahan Shah invaded and took the city on June 28, 1458, which was now occupied by Ibrahim Mirza's father, Ala al-Dawla Mirza. But Abu Sa'id Mirza could not tolerate this and after negotiations, Jahan Shah