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The Safavid Empire

In this lesson, students will be able to define the following terms:

Safavids

Shi’ites

Shah

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The Safavids created an empire inPersia in the 1500s.

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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.

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The Ottomans and Safavids were rivals.

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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.

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Shi’ites believe that leadership ofthe Islamic community is hereditary.

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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.

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The productionof beautiful

rugsflourished

inSafavidPersia.

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Miniature paintings

also flourishedin the

SafavidEmpire.

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Trade

• Safavid rulers greatly encouraged trade.

• The production of beautiful Persian rugs and miniature paintings flourished in the Safavid Empire.

• Trade increased wealth.

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Literature,medicine,

andthe study ofastronomythrived in

Safavid Persia.

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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 1501-1722, the Safavids ruled Persia.

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Can you find the Safavid Empire on this map?

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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?