Introduction
The Safavid Empire (1501-1722)
The Safavid Empire was based in what is today Iran ©
The Safavid Empire was based in what is today Iran.
This Islamic Empire was strong enough to challenge the Ottomansin the west and the Mughals in the east.
Summary
- The Safavid Empire lasted from 1501-1722
- It covered all of Iran, and parts of Turkey and Georgia
- The Safavid Empire was a theocracy
- The state religion was Shi'a Islam
- All other religions, and forms of Islam were suppressed
- The Empire's economic strength came from its location on the trade routes
- The Empire made Iran a centre of art, architecture, poetry and philosophy
- The capital, Isfahan, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world
- The key figures in the Empire were:
- Isma'il I
- Abbas I
- The Empire declined when it became complacent and corrupt
Origins
The Empire was founded by the Safavids, a Sufi order that goes back to Safi al-Din (1252-1334). Safi al-Din converted to Shi'ism and was a Persian nationalist. The Safavid brotherhood was originally a religious group.
Over the following centuries the brotherhood became stronger, by attracting local warlords and by political marriages. It became a military group as well as a religious one in the 15th century.
Many were attracted by the brotherhood's allegiance to Ali, and to the 'hidden Imam'.
In the 15th century the brotherhood became more militarily aggressive, and waged a jihad(Islamic holy war) against parts of what are now modern Turkey and Georgia.
The Safavid Empire dates from the rule of Shah Ismail (ruled 1501-1524).
In 1501, the Safavid Shahs declared independence when the Ottomans outlawed Shi'a Islam in their territory. The Safavid Empire was strengthened by important Shi'a soldiers from the Ottoman army who had fled from persecution.
When the Safavids came to power, Shah Ismail was proclaimed ruler at the age of 14 or 15, and by 1510 Ismail had conquered the whole of Iran.
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