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Shah Abbas Takes the Throne
Shah Abbas took the throne during a weak time for Iran. After a Qizilbash leader, Murshid Qoli Khan, overthrew is father, Shah Mohammed, the 16 year old boy was put into power. Rather quickly, Shah Abbas garnered a much greater following and control than his father ever had. -
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The Reign of Shah Abbas (1587-1629 AD)
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Abbas Makes Peace with the Turks
In 1590, the Ottoman Empire reluctanly agreed to the terms of Shah Abbas' treaty. In it, he called for peace within certain areas and created set boundaries as well. The temporary peace with the Ottomans allowed the Safavid Empire to channel their energy into the Uzbek Empire, which was continually attacking their empire. -
Abbas Reforms the Army
Shah Abbas changed his army in preparation for confronting the Ottoman and Uzbek invaders. He comprised his army of 10,000-15,000 cavalry, armed with muskets and other weapons. In addition, he added a corps of musketeers , 12,000 strong. An artillery,also 12,000 strong, was put in place as well. In addition Abbas instated a personal bodyguard corps of 3,000 men. -
The Capital Moves to Isfahan
The original home of the capital was in Qazvin, but Shah Abbas the Great moved the seat of the capital to Isfahan. Isfahan was more centrally located, and more Persian. The new city was constructed with new mosques, baths, colleges, and caravansarais. Isfahan became one of the most beautiful cities in the world. -
Leading the War Against the Uzbeks
The war against the Uzbeks began when the Uzbek army took to ravaging over the counrty. When Abbas could not stand it any longer, the Great Abbas sent his army to lure the Uzbeks out of the city area. They feigned a retreat, and when they had them where they wanted them, Shah Abbas and his army ensued in a bloody battle. Uzbek kahn was injured and his army retreated. -
War Against the Ottomans
For many years, the Safavids had put up with Turkish demands, but finally, Shah Abbas could not stand it any longer. His army seized the Turkish Ambassador, had his beard shaved and sent it to his master, the sultan, in Constantinople. To the Turks, this meant war. After several years of back and forth war, Abbas became distracted by a rebellion, and allowed an Ottoman force to besiege Baghdad. Abbas came out in 1625 however, and crushed the Turkish army decisively. -
Regaining Lost Land
Shah Abbas was able to enter lost areas and retake them from the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans were busy fighting their own battles in Europe. The Safavids met almost no resistance in returning Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Tabriz. -
Recapturing Hormuz
In this particular seize, Shah Abbas enlisted in the help of the English army. The duo of armies formed a pact, the silk trade would be developed to benefit England, the Safavids would pay part of the supply costs for the ships to do so. They fought togther to expell the Portuguese from Safavid land, and their forces managed seize Hormuz. The event resulted in a change in Eurasian trade. -
Control of Baghdad
Amidst the battle against the Ottomans, Shah Abbas garnered success early in his capturing of Baghdad. After this point, the Ottoman War became a stalemate, and his army was unable to progress in the war. Eventually, the Ottomans were able to recover Baghdad. -
Death of Abbas the Great
Shah Abbas died in 1628 at the age of 70 in Mazanderan. His tomb is in Kashan. Perhaps most important impact he had on the world was that of Isfahan. He completely rebuilt the city, adding the Meidan-e-Shah, Bazaar, the Palace of Ali Qapu, the Sheikh Lotfallah Mosque and the Royal Mosque, as well as the main street of Chahar Bagh and the famous Bridge of 33 Arches. With his death, some said, "When this great prince ceased to live, Persia ceased to prosper."
