Critique of the lineage and titles of Malek Mahmoud Kiani Sistani

Malek Mahmoud Sistani (Kiani) is one of the princes of Sistan who reached Mashhad in 1135 AH/ 1722 AD following the domination of Mahmoud Qaljaei over Isfahan. In order to gain legitimacy, he traces the roots of his family to the Saffarid dynasty and through them to the Sassanids, and then to the ancient and mythical Kianians through their lineage; A claim that was almost accepted at that time. The present study is dedicated to criticizing the authenticity of this claim and also determining the date of application of the title “property” to this family. The research question is presented as follows: what were the factors and reasons for attributing King Mahmoud Sistani to the Sassanids and Kianians? In response, the hypothesis was stated that the mythical or historical roots of the presence of the Kiani kings and the heroes of the Shahnameh in the Sistan region, and the existence of historical sources in confirmation of this issue, have given rise to such an idea. The research findings, which are based on the description and analysis of data and the application of historical research methods, indicate that the genealogy of this family has been supported and sometimes questioned by various historical sources over the years. Paying attention to the non-attribution of the Sassanids to the Kianians based on post-Saffavid sources makes it clear that this claim can be discussed until attributed to the Sassanids.