Safavid Empire

Before an Empire

1450

TheSafavids were originally part of an Islamic religious brotherhood, named after the leader Safi al-Din.

Religion

1500

Aligned with Shi'a branch of Islam.

Military and Isma'il

1501

Located between Ottomans, Uzbek tribespeople, and Mughals. Needed a strong military to protect.
Isma'il, a 12 year old, began to seize modern day Iran. 2 years later he won. As his reward he was named Persian King. He established Shi'a Islam as state religion. Became a religious tyrant, anyone who did not convert was killed.

Conflict with the Ottomans

1513

In conflict with Ottomans, Isma'il killed many Sunni of Baghdad. Selim the Grim was angry so he ordered the killing of all Shi' (40,000).

Battle of Chaldiran

1514

The Ottomans destroyed the Safavids using artillery. The result was a border set between the empires. (Modern day Ian and Iraq)

Tahmasp Expansion

1524

Learned from defeat of Battle of Chaldiran. He adapted artillery and military and expanded the empire, bringing Christians under rule.

Shah Abbas

1587

Took throne in 1587. Blended the cultures from Ottomans, Persians, Arabs.
Reformed military, civilian life, and government.
Allowed Christian orders into thee Empire, led to Europeans moving into the Empire with strengthened trade of industry and art between them and European nations.

New Capital

1598

Shah built a new capital at Esfahan. Considered most beautiful in the world. Art flourished including Chinese artisans and the creation of complex carpets.

Shah Family

1628

Same mistake Ottoman monarch Suleyman made, Shah killed or blinded ablest son.

Safi Ruler

1629

Incompetent grandson to Shah Abbas. Ruled weakly, empire went down the same road as the Ottoman did, only faster.

Nadir Shah Afshar

1736

Conquered land to India, expanding the empire. However, he was so cruel, his own troops assassinated him. He dies in 1747.