Origins and Leaders
This ruler was the founder of empire and descendent of Safi al-din.
Shah Ismail l
This branch of Islam became the official religion of the Safavid Empire.
Twelver Shi'ism
The Safavid Empire was centered in this modern-day country.
Iran
This type of trade was especially important to the Safavid economy.
Silk trade
The Safavid Empire lasted from this year to this year.
1501–1736
This Safavid ruler governed from 1588-1629 and brought Empire to its peak
Shah Abbas l
This famous square in Isfahan combined mosques, bazaars, and public activities into one urban space.
Maydan-e Emam
These two major empires bordered or competed with the Safavid Empire.
Ottoman and Mughal Empires
Shah Abbas created this type of army to reduce the Kizilbash's influence.
Professional standing army
After the death of this powerful ruler in 1629, the empire gradually began losing strength.
Shah Abbas I
This ruler was leading the Safavids when the empire finally ended in 1736.
Shah Sultan Hussien
These famous products were known for their special designs and became an important part of Safavid culture.
Persian carpets/textiles
The Safavids conquered much of this modern-day country west of Iran.
Iraq
These soldiers were trained to use muskets.
tofangchis
Weak rulers, internal conflicts, and economic problems contributed to this process.
Decline of the Safavid Empire
This was the city Shah Ismail captured in 1501, beginning the Safavid Empire
Tabriz
Safavid religious scholars gained increasing political influence and eventually claimed to act as representatives of this religious figure.
Hidden Iman
This island was taken by the Safavids because controlling it helped them benefit from important trade.
Hormuz
These soldiers were trained to use cannons and artillery.
topchis
In the early 1700s, these people invaded and captured Isfahan.
Afghans
This Safavid ruler moved the capital to Isfahan and great strengthened the Empire.
Shah Abbas l
Making Shi'ism the official religion helped create this important development within Safavid Iran.
Unified national identity/consciousness
These early Turkic tribesmen were extremely loyal to the Safavid rulers and helped fuel the empire's early military expansion.
Kizilbash
These three specialized military groups were created or expanded under Shah Abbas I.
ghulams, tofangchis, and topchis
This event officially ended the Safavid dynasty in 1736.
Afghan soldiers invaded and seized the capital of Isfahan