Safavid Dynasty (jan 2, 1501 – aug 21, 1722)
Description:
Starts as a Sufi brotherhood in northwestern Iran, and eventually comes to encapsulate what later becomes the modern-day borders of Iran. Continually faces enemies on either side -- both Sunni, both Turkic -- the Ottomans and Uzbeks. Eventually begins to impose Twelver Shi'ism on the population of Iran, converting the country from Sunni Islam. While the Shi'a beliefs held are widely heretical or ghulat due to the cult-of-personality around Shah Ismail, the introduction and importing of Shi'a clergy help to normalize the practice of the religion. Sadr, or the office to oversee religious orthodoxy, helps to get rid of blatant heretical activity.
Added to timeline:
HIS 306K Unit 4
Date:
