Qara Yusuf became a powerful ruler in the region and established his stronghold immediately by making alliances with other Turkmen tribes such as with Bistam Jagir. He occupied Soltaniyeh, Ardabil and Maragheh; and moved the population to Tabriz. This would allow Qara Yusuf to face a counterattack in 1408 by the Timurids who intended on retaking Azerbaijan but would be disappointed.[citation needed]