The book-illumination under the Il-Khanid rulers and the Mongolian influence on further miniature-styles

Contrary to widespread beliefs, the Mongolian conquest of Central Asia in the 13^th century AD did not extinguish existing pictorial traditions. Thus, for instance, the art of book illuminations was developed under the Mongols who used it for their own purposes. During the Il-Khanid dynasty, an important school of painting was founded in Tabriz, and many books were illustrated in a new style which incorporated elements of Mongolian and Chinese art. Thus, for instance, the vizier Rashid al-Din compiled a universal history, the Jami al-Tawarik, with the help of scientists and artists from all over the Empire. Furthermore, the 11^th-century heroic epic Shahname was illustrated for the first time under Ilkhanid rule. Landscape painting evolved significantly due to Chinese influences. The new pictorial style outlived the fall of the Monghol Empire because it shaped many later artists and spread to other regions.