Safavid Persia

The Safavid dynasty (1501-1736), founded by Shah Ismail I, transformed Persia by making Twelver Shia Islam the state religion - a decision with profound geopolitical consequences that endures in the Shia-Sunni divide today. Shah Abbas I (1588-1629) built the empire to its apogee, establishing Isfahan as one of the world's great cities. The dynasty fell to Afghan invaders in 1722.

• Existed: 1501 CE – 1736 CE
• Type: Entity
• Government: Absolute Monarchy (Shia theocracy)
• Capital: Tabriz (→ Qazvin → Isfahan)