The Safavid Empire

Introduction

• Safavid Empire (1501-1722)
• Territory mainly modern-day Iran
• One of the most significant ruling dynasties in the region
• Legacy impacts Iran's religious beliefs and regional interactions to this day

Origins

• Named after the Safavid dynasty
• Claimed legitimacy from pre-Islamic Persian empires
• Major contribution: Adoption of Shia Islam (minority sect)

Sunni-Shia Split

• Controversy over Muhammad's true successor
  • Shiites: Muhammad's son-in-law Ali
  • Sunnis: Muhammad's father-in-law
• Iran: Only Middle Eastern country with Shiite majority
• Sunni-Shia split creates chasm between Iran and Sunni neighbors

Historical Context

• Persia's historical background dating back to prehistory
• Previously controlled by the Timmurids
• Fragmentation allowed rise of localized powers and religious communities

Rise of the Safavids

• Originated from Sufi mystics (spiritual, mystical dimension of Islam)
• Safavid order founded by Safi al-Din in the late 13th and 14th century
• Spread throughout Persia, Syria, and Anatolia
• Transition to military and political power
• Ismail I: First Shah of Iran, founder of the Safavid dynasty
• Ismail's heritage was a mix of Safavid religious order and local royalty
• Conquest began at age 14, declared Shia Islam as the official religion

Expansion and Conflicts

• Safavids expanded throughout Persia; largest conqueror Ismail I
• Battle with Ottomans in 1514 led to demoralization disorganization
• Continued Ottoman-Safavid rivalry for 300 years

Political and Religious Characteristics

• Political rulers seen as stand-ins for the Hidden Imam (12th descendant of Ali)
• Hidden Imam's disappearance since 9th century
• Two opposing views: Quiet withdrawal vs. active political role
• Shah: Claimed power through bloodline tracing back to Muhammad
• Bureaucracy supervised by royal agents
• Economic limitations: Silk and carpets, impoverished subsistence farmers

Height of the Empire

• Reached height under Shah Abbas (late 16th century)
• Army included Christian slaves converted to Islam
• Conquered Baghdad (1623), controlled trade and sacred Shia shrines
• Isfahan: New capital, cultural and commercial hub
• Alliances with Christian Europe against Ottomans
• Faced military and economic pressures

Decline and Fall

• Struggles with military technology and inflation
• Overabundance of South American silver caused inflation
• Financial difficulties led to collapse under nomadic tribes in 1722