1. Cultural Blending

2. 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

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

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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