Amar Khan Shikak

During the early 20th century, the Shekak tribe gained influence under the leadership of Simko Shikak, especially after receiving support from the Russian Empire. Amar Khan became Simko's chief aide among the Shekaks during this period. After Simko's assassination, he assumed the leadership of the Shekak tribe.

Amar Khan later aligned with Qazi Muhammad and the Republic of Mahabad.

Career

Amar Khan served as the paramount chieftain of the Shikak tribe and was a notable figure in Iranian Kurdistan. He reportedly made a strong impression on American observers, including Kermit Roosevelt, who described him as 'the grand old man of Kurdistan', and William O. Douglas, who visited him after the fall of Mahabad.

Despite his high-ranking position within the Mahabad Republic, some historians have characterized his actions as opportunistic. He was appointed Minister of War and held the rank of Marshal in the republic. In addition, he was a member of the central committee of the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan and a signatory of the Azerbaijani–Kurdish Treaty on April 23, 1946. During his time in the Mahabad, he reportedly maintained communication with George V. Allen, the American ambassador to Iran. Following the fall of Mahabad, it was through Allen's intervention that Amar Khan avoided execution by Iranian government.