The Safavids Overview –Ruled Persia –Capital at Isfahan –Founded by Ismail (r ) –Shia Islam official religion of the empire

The Safavids

Sunni vs. Shi’a Sunnis: The caliph could be any good Muslim as long as they were a strong leader Shi’a: the Caliph must be a member of Muhammad’s family. (Ali…Mohammad’s cousin and son-in-law) This rivalry has gone on since the 7 th century, and continues today! –Ottomans: Sunni –Safavids: Shi’a

Shi’a Beliefs Hidden Imam –During the 9 th century, the 12 th descendant of Ali disappeared –All leaders are just standing in until the rightful descendant returns –Community lacks proper religious authority until that time.

Creation of an Empire In 1501, Isma’il led the Shi’a followers to victory in the city of Tabriz, where he proclaimed himself shah, or emperor.

Rule of Isma’il Variants in Islam led the Safavids to battle with the Ottomans by The Safavids were NOT as militarily technologically advanced as the Ottomans. The Safavids were sorely defeated Isma’il was largely ineffective after this defeat. –Ottomans could not take Tabriz (capital) because of distance from supply lines –Shi’aism would be confined to this area (modern day Iran/southern Iraq)

Isfahan, the royal city

Imam Mosque

Abbas I Abbas I (r ), aka Abbas the Great –Empire reaches the height of its strength and prosperity –Used “slave” regiments that mirrored the Janissaries –Built the army to 40,000 –Moved capital to Isfahan –Founded several colleges –Supported the arts, architecture, etc.

Economics Farming and herding were major employments No significant manufacturing sector Land grant system was used for soldiers –Nomadic tribes and new military elite slave corps of captive Christians –Converted to Islam –Year-round soldiers armed with guns

Factors of Decline After Abbas the Great (I), the decline of the empire was rapid. Weak Shahs Inflation Lack of profitable economic development Rivalry between hereditary elites and new soldier class In 1722, invasion of Afghans who captured Isfahan and ended Safavid Rule