Safavid Empire

• The region between the Ottoman Empire and India

• Founded by Shah Ismail I

Ismail I

• Worked with neighboring countries• This was essential because of its location along

the trade route

• Became Muslim under Ismail

• Lost to a larger Ottoman force• Ismail withdrew from an active role in

government after this loss

• A rival family leader replaced the Safavid ruler with his 16 year old son Abbas

• He reorganized the army and conquered land that had been taken from the Safavids

• Great builder of religious architecture, royal palaces and public buildings

• It declined due to lack of qualified successors