The Safavid Empire emerged in Persia in 1501, founded by Ismail I. It quickly expanded through military conquests and alliances, establishing Twelver Shi'ism as the official religion. This move shaped the empire's identity and set it apart from its Sunni neighbors.

The Safavids ruled as absolute monarchs, with a complex bureaucracy and military system. They faced ongoing rivalry with the Ottoman Empire, which influenced their foreign policy. The empire's control over Silk Road trade routes contributed to its economic growth and cultural zenith.

The Rise and Expansion of the Safavid Empire

Emergence of Safavid Empire

• Safavid dynasty originated from Safaviyya Sufi order founded by Safi al-Din Ardabili in late 13th century
• Safaviyya order transformed into political movement under later leaders
• Ismail I, descendant of Safi al-Din, founded Safavid Empire in 1501 by conquering Tabriz and declaring himself Shah
• Established Twelver Shi'ism as official religion of empire

Expansion of Safavid Empire

• Military conquests by Ismail I and successors expanded empire's territory
• Strategic alliances with local tribes (Qizilbash) and religious minorities helped consolidate power
• Control over Silk Road trade routes contributed to empire's economic growth
• Trade revenues supported empire's military and administrative expenses

Regional Context and Influences

• Safavid Empire established in Persia, reviving the region's imperial legacy
• Turkic tribes played a crucial role in the empire's military and administration
• Ongoing rivalry with the Ottoman Empire shaped Safavid foreign policy and military strategy
• Isfahan became the new capital under Abbas I, symbolizing the empire's cultural and economic zenith

Religion and Society in the Safavid Empire

Twelver Shi'ism vs Sunni Islam

• Twelver Shi'ism believes in succession of twelve divinely appointed imams after Prophet Muhammad
  • Twelfth imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, believed to be in occultation and will return as Mahdi
  • Emphasizes mourning martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali during Ashura
  • Became state religion under Safavids, shaping religious practices and social norms
• Sunni Islam accepts legitimacy of first four caliphs after Prophet Muhammad
  • Does not believe in divine appointment of imams
  • Places importance on Sunnah (traditions and practices) of Prophet Muhammad
  • Sunni Muslims faced discrimination and persecution under Safavid rule

Impact on Safavid society

• Establishment of Twelver Shi'ism as state religion led to development of distinct religious identity
• Shi'a religious institutions (ulama, religious endowments) gained significant influence
• Religious minorities (Sunni Muslims, Jews, Christians) faced varying degrees of tolerance and persecution
• Safavid-Ottoman rivalry partly fueled by Sunni-Shi'a divide

Political Organization and Administration

Safavid political organization

• Absolute monarchy ruled by Shah, who held supreme political and religious authority
• Succession was hereditary, passing from father to son
• Central government consisted of various administrative institutions
  • Vizier (prime minister) oversaw administration and acted as Shah's chief advisor
  • Divan (council of ministers) assisted in governing empire
  • Qurchis (royal bodyguards) responsible for Shah's protection and maintaining order in capital
• Provincial administration based on system of governors (beglerbegis) and local officials (darugha, kalantar)
  • Governors appointed by Shah to oversee provinces
  • Local officials maintained order and collected taxes

Safavid bureaucracy and military

• Bureaucracy relied on complex system of land grants (tiyul system) and revenue collection
  • Tiyul system granted land to military and administrative officials in exchange for services
  • Ulama and religious institutions supported by religious endowments (waqfs)
• Military composed of both permanent and tribal forces
  • Qizilbash, confederation of Turkic tribes, formed backbone of early Safavid military
  • Ghulams, slave soldiers recruited from Caucasus, became increasingly important in later period