Safavi

Safavi refers to the Safavid dynasty, a Persianate dynasty of Kurdish origin that ruled from 1501 to 1736 and established the Twelver school of Shia Islam as the official religion of Iran. The dynasty was founded by Ismail I, who united a large area of modern-day Iran and beyond, laying the foundations for the modern Iranian state. The Safavid era is considered a golden age in Iranian history, marked by significant achievements in art, architecture, literature, and philosophy.

The Safavids were patrons of the arts and sciences, fostering a rich cultural environment. Isfahan, the capital for much of the dynasty's rule, became a center of breathtaking architecture, including the Imam Mosque and the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque. Miniature painting, carpet weaving, and ceramics also flourished. The dynasty's emphasis on Shia Islam deeply shaped Iranian identity and religious practice.

The Safavid Empire faced challenges from both internal strife and external enemies, notably the Ottoman Empire to the west and the Uzbeks to the east. Despite periods of expansion and decline, the dynasty maintained its rule for over two centuries. The Safavid Empire was eventually overthrown by Nader Shah in 1736, leading to a brief Afsharid dynasty. The legacy of the Safavids, however, profoundly influenced subsequent Iranian history and culture, solidifying Shia Islam as a central tenet of Persian identity.