1. The Safavid Empire

2. The Safavids created an empire in
Persia in the 1500s.

3. The Safavids
The Safavids established a Shi’ite state in Persia, modern-day Iran.
The Safavids were in conflict with the Sunni Ottomans.
Both the Shi’ite Safavids and the Sunni Ottomans claimed to be the true leaders of the Islamic world.
• Ottomans will defeat the Safavids and claim Mecca and Medina from them.

4. Why would the Ottomans and Safavids be rivals?
If both are Islamic Gunpowder empires why would they rival each other and not team up against the Europeans?

5. The Ottomans and Safavids were rivals.

6. Shi’ite Muslims
There are two main branches of Islam: the Sunni branch and the Shi’ite branch.
The primary difference between these two branches concerns leadership of the Islamic community.
Sunni Muslims believe a capable Muslim can lead the community while Shi’ite Muslims believe leadership should be hereditary through Muhammad’s son-in-law.

7. Shi’ites believe that leadership of
the Islamic community is hereditary.

8. Shahs Safavid rulers were called Shahs.
A Shah was an absolute ruler of the Safavid Empire.
Shahs used their large armies to maintain control of their empire.

9. Isma’il 1499 took the throne at age 14. Started the Safavid Empire
He will seize most of what is Iran today.
He will name himself Shah.
Religious tyrant – Anyone that did not convert to Shi’ism was put to death.
Destroyed the Sunni population in Baghdad in his confrontation with Ottomans.

10. Isma’il

11. Shah Abbas “Abbas the Great” 1587 took the throne.
Reformed the military and civilian life.
Reformed the government – harshly punished corruption and promoted officials on their merit.
Promoted the culture and art of the Safavids and established relationships with the Europeans.
E. Napp

12. Abbas the Great

13. The production
of beautiful
rugs
flourished in
Safavid
Persia.

14. Miniature
paintings
also flourished
in the
Safavid
Empire.

15. Trade Safavid rulers greatly encouraged trade. Trade increased wealth.
Location was a benefit to them for trade.
The production of beautiful Persian rugs and miniature paintings flourished in the Safavid Empire.

16. Greatly benefited from location

17. Literature,
medicine,
and
the study of
astronomy
thrived in
Safavid Persia.

18. Safavid Decline
However, high taxes and continuous warfare with the Ottoman Empire weakened the Safavids.
In 1722, the Safavid Empire was conquered by neighboring Afghanistan.
From , the Safavids ruled Persia.

20. Can you find the Safavid Empire on
this map?

21. Questions for Reflection:
Who were the Safavids?
Why were the Safavids in conflict with the Ottomans?
What is the primary difference between Sunni Muslims and Shi’ite Muslims?
Compare and contrasts Shahs and Sultans.
What factors led to the decline of the Safavid Empire?