Safavid Empire

Safavid Empire

Safavids

• established a Shiite state in modern-day Iran

• were in conflict with the Sunni Ottomans because they both claimed to be the true leaders of the Islamic world

• Ottomans will defeat the Safavids and claim Mecca and Medina

Multiple Select

If both the Safavids and the Ottomans were Islamic gunpowder empires, why would they be in conflict with each other? Check all that apply.

• their religious differences divide them - Sunni vs. Shiites

• they both want the glory of conquering the world for the glory of Islam

• The Ottomans are allies with the Christians

• They both control trade routes that the other has desire to rule over

Multiple Choice

Shiite Muslims believe...

• leadership can be any capable Muslim

• leadership of the Islamic empire should be a descendant from Muhammad

Multiple Choice

Sunni Muslims believe...

• leadership can be any capable Muslim

• leadership of the Islamic empire should be a descendant from Muhammad

Shahs

• Shah = ABSOLUTE ruler (means all powerful) of the Safavid empire

Ismail

• Started the Safavid empire at age 14 in most of what is modern day Iran

• Religious tyrant - anyone who did not convert to Shiite Islam was put to death

• destroyed the Sunni population in Baghdad in his fight with the Ottomans

Shah "Abbas the Great"

• reformed military and civilian life

• reformed the government - harshly punished corruption and promoted officials based on merit

• promoted culture and art

• had relationship with the Europeans

Persian Rugs made by Safavids

Miniature Paintings

Trade

• Safavid rulers greatly encouraged trade because it increased wealth

• their location was a benefit to trade

• known for their rugs and miniature paintings

Open Ended

How would the Safavid empire's location be a benefit for trade?

Education

• literature, medicine, and the study of astronomy thrived in the Safavid empire

Open Ended

Why would education be thriving in an Islamic empire?

Safavid Decline

• high taxes and continous war with the Ottomans weakened the Safavids

• 1722 they were conquered by neighboring Afghanistan

Open Ended

Explain how the Safavids fulfilled the "group norms" we have discussed for land based empires.