1. How did the Safavid build a great empire and what caused its decline?
The Safavid Empire
How did the Safavid build a great empire and what caused its decline?

2. Cultural Blending
Cultural blending occurs when cultures that begin to interact with each other begin to combine parts of the culture
Reasons: Migration, trade and conquest
Result: new languages, ethnic groups, religions and culture
Discuss: Do you see any cultural blending in American culture?

3. Cultural Blending Activity
Please list where you, your parents and your grandparents were born
What do you consider your ethnic or cultural group?
Give three examples of your culture
Do you see any changes in American culture as the country becomes more diverse.
Next, discuss your answers with a partner
Discuss the following:
Do you have any similarities to your partner
Do you have any differences with your partner?
Finally, talk to all of the people in your row and compare and contrast cultures

4. The Safavid build a Shi’a Empire
The Safavid were Persian and part of Shi’a branch of Islam
14 year old Isma’il leads and a powerful army (with gunpowder), claims all of Persia and names himself Shah (king)
Isma’l is a tyrant, he persecutes any who are not Shi’a, goes to war & loses to Ottoman Empire (Sunni)
1587: Shah Abbas takes the throne, who encourages cultural blending and religious tolerance
Abbas rule is known as golden age as he reforms military and govt as culture blooms

5. The Empire Declines
After the death of Shah Abbas, weak Shahs followed
Most of these Shah’s ruled for their own interests:
- raised taxes so Shah could live extravagantly
- persecuted those who did not share their beliefs
- led empire into disastrous wars trying to expand