Cultural Blending

Setting the Stage Throughout the course of world history, cultures have interacted with each other. Often such interaction has resulted in the mixing of different cultures in new and exciting ways. This process is referred to as cultural blending. The Safavid empire, a Shi’ite Muslim dynasty that ruled in Persia between the 16th and 18th centuries, provides a striking example of how interaction among peoples can produce a blending of cultures. This cultural diverse empire drew from the traditions of Persians, Ottomans and Arabs

Causes of Cultural Blending Migration Pursuit of religious freedom or conversion Trade Conquest Ottomans had all these

Results of Cultural Blending Changes in- Language Religion and ethical systems Styles of government Racial or ethnic blending Arts and architecture

The Safavids Build an Empire Safavids- members of an Islamic religious brotherhood 1400s- aligned with Shi’a branch of Islam Centered between the Ottomans, Uzbek and Mughal Empires Build large army to defend themselves

Isma’il Conquers Persia 12 years old Conquers most of what is now Iran Takes title of shah, or king Became religious tyrant- Anyone who didn’t convert to Shi’ism was put to death

Isma’il’s fall Isma’il destroyed the Sunni population of Baghdad in his confrontation with the Ottomans Selim later orders execution of all Shi’a in the Ottoman Empire- over 40,000 killed Ottomans crush the Safavid Set border between the 2- currently border between Iraq and Iran

The Safavid Golden Age Shah Abbas (Abbas the Great) Takes over 1587 Creates 2 military divisions similar to the janissaries Punished corruption in his government Opened up to other religions

The Safavid Golden Age Built a new capital at Esfahan Considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world Many artisans went to work in the city Blends Chinese and Persian ideas and art

Decline of the Empire Shah Abbas makes same mistake as Suleyman Kills and blinds most able sons, incompetent grandson takes over Later, Nadir Shah Afshar rules Conquers land but is too harsh Assassinated by one of his own troops The empire fell apart