Government of the Safavid Empire
The government has been different based on the emperor.
Ismail
-Was the founder of the Safavid empire at age 7.
-Made shitism the official religion of the Safavid Empire.
-This caused tension between the Safavid Empire and Ottoman Empires, which was a Sunni empire.
-His government system was more based on who he is, a religious leader.
-He claimed himself as the 12th Imam, which means he is a direct descendant of Muhammad, and since he ruled a shiite empire, he was a holy religious leader.
-An Imam is considered to not be able to do wrong.
-Made shitism the official religion of the Safavid Empire.
-This caused tension between the Safavid Empire and Ottoman Empires, which was a Sunni empire.
-His government system was more based on who he is, a religious leader.
-He claimed himself as the 12th Imam, which means he is a direct descendant of Muhammad, and since he ruled a shiite empire, he was a holy religious leader.
-An Imam is considered to not be able to do wrong.
Abbas I (Shah Abbas)
-Before his rule, the empire was in an age of chaos.
-After declared shah (emperor), he banished his father, who was the previous shah, and blinded his brothers.
-Did a lot of things to improve and ruin the empire.
Positive:
-Shah Abbas made the empire a monarchy, a huge step toward modernization.
-Reorganized the empire's military and political systems.
-Signed the Treaty of Isfahan, which made the Ottomans exit the Safavid land and restore previous borders.
-Part of the treaty was to not to argue against the Orthodox sunni caliphate, and since the Shiites disagree with who should be caliphates, the treaty was eventually broken.
-Shah Abbas retook the city of Qandahar from the Mughals.
-Retook the city of Herat from the Uzbeks.
-Was tolerate to other religions.
-Encouraged trade by building roads.
-Moved the capital to Isfahan, which Shah Abbas had developed into a great Persian city.
Negatives
-Shah Abbas killed the people of the turkish Qizilbash, or "red heads." They had supported the empire during its early years and had been rewarded political power. They were killed so he could reform areas of the government that they controlled.
-Was not tolerant toward the sunnis that lived in the empire. Shah Abbas often prosecuted them. This led to more tension between the two sects of Islam.
-Because the people who replaced the Qizilbash did not have personal interest for the provinces, the economy declined.
-Blinded his sons and grandsons. This resulted in no efficient heir to govern the empire after the death of Shah Abbas.
-After declared shah (emperor), he banished his father, who was the previous shah, and blinded his brothers.
-Did a lot of things to improve and ruin the empire.
Positive:
-Shah Abbas made the empire a monarchy, a huge step toward modernization.
-Reorganized the empire's military and political systems.
-Signed the Treaty of Isfahan, which made the Ottomans exit the Safavid land and restore previous borders.
-Part of the treaty was to not to argue against the Orthodox sunni caliphate, and since the Shiites disagree with who should be caliphates, the treaty was eventually broken.
-Shah Abbas retook the city of Qandahar from the Mughals.
-Retook the city of Herat from the Uzbeks.
-Was tolerate to other religions.
-Encouraged trade by building roads.
-Moved the capital to Isfahan, which Shah Abbas had developed into a great Persian city.
Negatives
-Shah Abbas killed the people of the turkish Qizilbash, or "red heads." They had supported the empire during its early years and had been rewarded political power. They were killed so he could reform areas of the government that they controlled.
-Was not tolerant toward the sunnis that lived in the empire. Shah Abbas often prosecuted them. This led to more tension between the two sects of Islam.
-Because the people who replaced the Qizilbash did not have personal interest for the provinces, the economy declined.
-Blinded his sons and grandsons. This resulted in no efficient heir to govern the empire after the death of Shah Abbas.
Major Cities
Isfahan
-This was an important political, cultural, and educational center of the empire.
-This was an important political, cultural, and educational center of the empire.
The Imam Mosque of Isfahan is a great example of the magnificent mosques built by Abbas I in his city.
"Fun" Fact:
Abbas I Killed his son because his enemies apparently favored him as ruler. He later found out that this was false and felt guilty for the rest of his life.
Abbas I Killed his son because his enemies apparently favored him as ruler. He later found out that this was false and felt guilty for the rest of his life.
Bibliography
"Abbas I." World History: The Modern Era. ABC-CLIO, 2014. Web. 23 Feb. 2014.
"Abbas I." Image. Hulton Archive/Getty Images. World History: The Modern Era. ABC-CLIO, 2014. Web. 23 Feb. 2014.
"Imam Mosque in Iran." Image. Matejh Photography/iStockphoto.com. World History: The Modern Era. ABC-CLIO, 2014. Web. 23 Feb. 2014.
"Ismail." World History: The Modern Era. ABC-CLIO, 2014. Web. 23 Feb. 2014.
Ismail Image
Anonymous. Photo of Imail I. Digital image. Wikipedia. Wikimedia, 14 Dec. 2008. Web. 23 Feb. 2014.
Page by Andrew Njo