The Safavid Empire
In this lesson, students will be able to
define the following terms:
Safavids
Shi’ites
Shah
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The Safavids created an empire in
Persia in the 1500s.
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The Safavids
• The Safavids established a Shi’ite state in
Persia, modern-day Iran.
• The Safavids were in conflict with the
Sunni Ottomans.
• Both the Shi’ite Safavids and the Sunni
Ottomans claimed to be the true leaders of
the Islamic world.
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The Ottomans and Safavids were rivals.
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Shi’ite Muslims
• There are two main branches of Islam: the
Sunni branch and the Shi’ite branch.
• The primary difference between these two
branches concerns leadership of the
Islamic community.
• Sunni Muslims believe a capable Muslim
can lead the community while Shi’ite
Muslims believe leadership should be
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law.
Shi’ites believe that leadership of
the Islamic community is hereditary.
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Shahs
• Safavid rulers were called Shahs.
• A Shah was an absolute ruler of the
Safavid Empire.
• Shahs used their large armies to maintain
control of their empire.
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The production
of beautiful
rugs
flourished
in
Safavid
Persia.
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Miniature
paintings
also flourished
in the
Safavid
Empire.
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Trade
• Safavid rulers greatly encouraged trade.
• The production of beautiful Persian rugs
and miniature paintings flourished in the
Safavid Empire.
• Trade increased wealth.
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Literature,
medicine,
and
the study of
astronomy
thrived in
Safavid Persia.
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Safavid Decline
• However, high taxes and continuous
warfare with the Ottoman Empire
weakened the Safavids.
• In 1722, the Safavid Empire was
conquered by neighboring Afghanistan.
• From 1501-1722, the Safavids ruled
Persia.
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Can you find the Safavid Empire on
this map?
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Questions for Reflection:
• Who were the Safavids?
• Why were the Safavids in conflict with the
Ottomans?
• What is the primary difference between
Sunni Muslims and Shi’ite Muslims?
• Compare and contrasts Shahs and
Sultans.
• What factors led to the decline of the
Safavid Empire?
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