Civilization · Early modern period · Safavid Empire

Safavid Empire

1501–1736

The Safavid Empire made Persia Shia and gave Iran its modern identity. Shah Ismail founded it in 1501; Shah Abbas the Great made Isfahan one of the world's most beautiful cities. It fell to Afghan invaders in 1722.

Facts

Founded: 1501, Shah Ismail crowned at Tabriz.; Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Safavid Empire
Ended: 1736, the dynasty formally ended after the Afghan invasion.; Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Safavid Empire
Heartland: Persia, capital Isfahan.; Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Safavid Empire
Major rulers: Ismail I, the founder; Abbas I the Great, who made the empire a great power.; Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Safavid Empire

Images

The Shah Mosque in Isfahan, jewel of Safavid Persia. (Wikimedia Commons)

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