What are tips and strategies as Ardalan?

Hi there, I've played Ardalan several times and gaining independence from Ajam can be one tough task as the timurids are often times closeminded and clumsy and sometimes don't even make it to aid me due to their own independence wars. In games where I successfully secure independence, I usually intend on uniting all the Kurdish lands in game. Which can be a whole challenge due to the Ottoman claims and Aq and QQ power. Does anyone have any tips, any strategies I can try to get make Independance easier or Overthrow the Ottomans mid game as Ardalan?