The Safavid dynasty was the ruling dynasty of Safavid Iran, and one of Iran's most significant ruling dynasties reigning from 1501 to 1736. Their rule is often considered the beginning of modern Irani
Portrait of Shah Ismail I, painted from life by Kamal al-din Behzad, his director of the royal atelier (posthumous copy). Topkapı Palace Museum, H.2169.
Muhammad and Ali in battle. Made in Safavid Iran during the 16th century
Scene of Timur enthroned, from a copy of the Habib al-siyar, made in Qazvin in 1579/80
Zahhak bound by Fereydun, whilst Kaveh the Blacksmith is holding a apron-banner (Derafsh Kaviani). From a mid-17th century Safavid miniature
Following their rise to power in Iran in the 16th century, the Safavid dynasty initiated a campaign of forced conversion against the Iranian populace, seeking to replace Sunni Islam, whose Shafi'i sch
Safavid dynasty
…modern Iranian history, as well as one of the gunpowder empires. The Safavid Shah Ismail I established the Twelver denomination of Shi'a Islam as the official religion of the Persian Empire, marking one of the most important turning points in the history of Islam. The Safavid dynasty had its origin in the Safavid Sufi order, which was…
Shah Ismail I started the conversion of Iran to Shia Islam
Miniature of Shah Ismail I declaring Shia Islam as the official religion of his kingdom. Stored in the British Library, London.
Persian miniature of Ismail II