Abū al-Ḥasan Khān Īlchī Shīrāzī (1190–1262/1776–1846), was a famous statesman who served as foreign minister for the Qājār state. His eventful and controversial life resulted in opposing opinions being expressed about him in the sources and various conflicting judgements.

Abū al-Ḥasan's father, Mīrzā Muḥammad ʿAlī, was a secretary (munshī) at the court of Nādir Shāh Afshār. Nādir Shāh ordered his execution, but was himself murdered and so Mīrzā Muḥammad ʿAlī's life was saved. T…