Baraq's Reign
Dawlat had fallen because he had failed to properly respect the army. Baraq knew better than to repeat the mistakes especially when he owed his position to the army. He set about keeping the army happy by increasing pay and dedicating funding to improving their weaponry and training.
Fearful that this may not be enough he dispatched his trustworthy general Bawlakkuk to take over operations in Abkhazia.
Note the ongoing war between Genoa and Theodoros
In March of 1425 a conference was held between representatives of the Horde, Shirvan and Abkhazia. Sibir had refused to enter the war and therefore were not present. Abkhazia wanted peace with her enemies on the condition she give 168 ducats to split between the victors. Though tempting Shirvan's representatives convinced Baraq to put forth his own offer. Abkhazia pay 150 ducats but only receive peace with the Horde. Abkhazia's representatives flatly rejected the proposal until Baraq pointed out that accepting also meant they kept their heads. Upon this suggestion their tune changed.
After the success of the tax collector in Ufa, Baraq decided to spend the extra money on three more in other provinces.
Meanwhile Shirvan marched her armies through the Hordes terrritory and laid siege to the still devastated Abkhazia.
Within a couple of months the city of Sukhumi had fallen to Muslim hands again. This time there would be no compromise Abkhazia became a part of Shirvan.
Eyes in Muscowy had anxiously watched the devastation of Abkhazia and wisely decided to pay up 40 ducats in tribute rather than face the Hordes fury.
Peace reigned over the Black Sea when Theodoros and Genoa decided to end their conflict with gold not land changing hands
But not for long, encouraged by their success against Abkhazia, Shirvan's generals declared war on Georgia and asked for the Hordes help.
The Horde joined the war but decided rather than actively fighting they would stay on the defensive protecting home territory and also Shirvan should it be invaded.
At the same time advisors declared the recently converted province of Lugansk needed to have a mosque constructed. The cost was steep beyond the hordes current funds so a loan was taken. Thanks to the new construction to Allah stability increased to the highest level since civil war ended in 1418
War against Georgia was quiet neither Shivan or Georgian armies engaged each other, only a siege was begun in the province of Georgia by armies of Shirvan.
In September of 1426 Baraq's spies told him of a Genoese troop build up in Kerch. However he dismissed it as nothing more than defences against a another Theodoran attack.
But the next month he was proven wrong (several spies paid for the mistake with their heads) Genoa declared war on Shirvan. While the Horde debated whether to join the war a insult was sent to Baraq personally signed by the Genoese ruler. This was intolerable, a declaration of war was sent back of course accompanied by the Genoese messengers head.
Dawlat Berdi had failed to properly finish Ulugh Muhammed and Baraq was about to pay dearly for this mistake. Playing on nationalist sentiments Ulugh stirred rebellion in Azow and Crimea and whilst the Hordes army was occupied he struck at the capital unopposed and even welcomed back as the rightful Khan. Baraq's paranoia about the army was proved right as he marched back to Volgograd, when his reign ended unceremoniously with a scimitar in his back and his body was dumped beside a cold steppe road to be consigned to the vultures.