Uzun Hasan was born in 1423 in Diyarbakir. His father was Celaleddin Ali Bey, the Akkoyunlu ruler.Akkoyunlu Ruler Ali bey's son Cihangir was enthroned on his father's death. So, the youth of Uzun Hasan, the grandson of Kara Yülük Osman, the founder of Akkoyunlu state, elapsed in throne wars between ruler Cihangir and Akkoyunlu Emir Hamza Bey. Uzun Hasan gained his first experiences in Ergani and its vicinity he was granted by his elder brother Cihangir, the ruler of Akkoyunlu state. He could accede to Akkoyunlu throne upon his elder brother Cihangir's being taken captive in the war against Karakoyunlus.
Uzun Hasan married the daughter of Trabzon Roman Emperor, Katerina Despina. He promised that Trabzon would resist Ottoman attack. Uzun Hasan also sent a messenger to Istanbul and wanted deletion of the tax paid by Trabzon Roman Empire each year and delivery of Kayseri region to him which was given as dowry to him.
Fatih Sultan Mehmet rejected such demands and launched Trabzon expedition in spring 1461. Trabzon Roman Emperor David Komnenos delivered Trabzon to Fatih Sultan Mehmet on 26 October 1461, understanding that he would not be provided assistance by Uzun Hasan forces. After these developments, Uzun Hasan took action to enlarge his country in Georgia, Syria and Azerbaijan direction. He defeated Karakoyunlu ruler Cihan Şah .Akkoyunlu country, which got gradually stronger, involved an important part of Armenia and Mesopotamia.
Then Uzun Hasan attempted struggle against Ottomans. He provided assistance and incited Karamanoglu Pir Ahmet and Kasim Beys against Ottomans. Akkoyunlu forces raided on Tokat in 1472. In addition, Akkoyunlu commander Yusuf Mirza invaded the regions of Kayseri, Karaman and Hamideli .Therefore, Fatih decided to eliminate Uzun Hasan, who became dangerous for him in the east. Ottoman and Akkoyunlu forces met in Otlukbeli on 11 August 1473. Uzun Hasan, routed by Ottoman artillery men, withdrew to Iran.
The capital city of Akkoyunlu State was Diyarbakir until then. After the war, it was transferred to Tebriz. Uzun Hasan, who tried to put down the rebellions to reestablish his authority in the country after Otluk Beli war, died on 7 January 1478 of the disease he caught in Georgia in 1477.
Uzun Hasan's grave is in Nasriyye Medrasah he constructed himself in Tebriz.