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TheSafavids were originally part of an Islamic religious brotherhood, named after the leader Safi al-Din.
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Aligned with Shi'a branch of Islam. -
Located between Ottomans, Uzbek tribespeople, and Mughals. Needed a strong military to protect.
Isma'il, a 12 year old, began to seize modern day Iran. 2 years later he won. As his reward he was named Persian King. He established Shi'a Islam as state religion. Became a religious tyrant, anyone who did not convert was killed. -
In conflict with Ottomans, Isma'il killed many Sunni of Baghdad. Selim the Grim was angry so he ordered the killing of all Shi' (40,000). -
The Ottomans destroyed the Safavids using artillery. The result was a border set between the empires. (Modern day Ian and Iraq) -
Learned from defeat of Battle of Chaldiran. He adapted artillery and military and expanded the empire, bringing Christians under rule. -
Took throne in 1587. Blended the cultures from Ottomans, Persians, Arabs.
Reformed military, civilian life, and government.
Allowed Christian orders into thee Empire, led to Europeans moving into the Empire with strengthened trade of industry and art between them and European nations. -
Shah built a new capital at Esfahan. Considered most beautiful in the world. Art flourished including Chinese artisans and the creation of complex carpets. -
Same mistake Ottoman monarch Suleyman made, Shah killed or blinded ablest son.
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Incompetent grandson to Shah Abbas. Ruled weakly, empire went down the same road as the Ottoman did, only faster.
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Conquered land to India, expanding the empire. However, he was so cruel, his own troops assassinated him. He dies in 1747.
