The Safavid Empire

1
The Safavid Empire

• In this lesson, students will be able to define
  the following terms
• Safavids
• Shiites
• Shah

2
The Safavids created an empire in Persia in the
1500s.
3
The Safavids

• The Safavids established a Shiite state in
  Persia, modern-day Iran.
• The Safavids were in conflict with the Sunni
  Ottomans.
• Both the Shiite Safavids and the Sunni Ottomans
  claimed to be the true leaders of the Islamic
  world.

4
The Ottomans and Safavids were rivals.
5
Shiite Muslims

• There are two main branches of Islam the Sunni
  branch and the Shiite 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 Shiite Muslims believe
  leadership should be hereditary through
  Muhammads son-in-law.

6
Shiites believe that leadership of the Islamic
community is hereditary.
7
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.

8
The production of beautiful rugs flourished in Saf
avid Persia.
9
Miniature paintings also flourished in
the Safavid Empire.
10
Trade

• Safavid rulers greatly encouraged trade.
• The production of beautiful Persian rugs and
  miniature paintings flourished in the Safavid
  Empire.
• Trade increased wealth.

11
Literature, medicine, and the study
of astronomy thrived in Safavid Persia.
12
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.

13
Can you find the Safavid Empire on this map?
14
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 Shiite Muslims?
• Compare and contrasts Shahs and Sultans.
• What factors led to the decline of the Safavid
  Empire?