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{{جعبه اطلاعات خاندان
| نام             = Safavid
| تصویر           = 
| اندازه تصویر    =
| نام کامل        = Safavid Dynasty
| نسب             =
| محل حکومت       = [[Iran]]
| مدت حکومت       =  907 to 1135 AH
| مکان قبیله      =
| سرسلسله         = [[Shah Isma'il I]]
| اشخاص مهم       = [[Shah Isma'il I]] . [[Shah Tahmasp]] . [[Shah 'Abbas I]] . [[Shah Sultan Husayn]]
| جمعیت           =
| جنگ‌ها           =
| شاخه‌ای از       =
| زیرشاخه‌ها       =
| مهم‌ترین اقدامات = Declaring Shi'ism as the official religion of the country,
| مناصب مهم       =
| مذهب            = Shi'a
}}
'''Safavids''' were a [[Shi'a|Shi'a-Muslim]] dynasty that ruled [[Iran]] between 907 and 1135 AH. This royal dynasty for the first time declared Shi'ism as the official religion of the country.

The political differences between [[Iran]] and the [[Ottoman Empire]] greatly affected the Hajj of [[Iranians]]; because the Hajj route passed through Ottoman territory. In some years, especially during wars, the Hajj for Iranians was restricted or forbidden, and even in 1047 AH, Iranians were expelled from [[Mecca]]. However, during periods of peace, the Hajj was performed with greater freedom. The Safavids' relations with the rulers of Mecca were sometimes hostile and sometimes friendly, but they had close and supportive relations with the [[Ashraf Husayni|Shi'a sharifs of Medina]], especially the [[Banu Shuqdum]] family.

Safavid kings had a great interest in the [['Atabat al-'Aliyat]] and visited them many times for pilgrimage. Also, some Safavid kings, such as [[Shah Isma'il I]] and [[Shah 'Abbas I]], undertook many measures for the development, expansion, renovation, and decoration of the shrines of the [[Ahl al-Bayt (a)]] in Iraq.
[[پرونده:نقشه ایران اواخر صفوی.jpg|thumb|Original_Size|Map of Iran in the late Safavid era.]]


== Introduction and Status ==
The Safavid dynasty was a royal dynasty that ruled in Iran from 907 to 1135 AH.<ref>Tabriz dar Guzar-e Tarikh, p. 73; Safaviyan dar Guzargah-e Tarikh, p. 125.</ref> The founder of this dynasty was [[Shah Isma'il I]]<ref>Safaviyya az Zuhur, p. 70.</ref> and its last king was Shah Sultan Husayn.<ref>Safaviyan dar Guzargah-e Tarikh, p. 125.</ref> This dynasty made [[Twelver Shi'ism|Shi'ism]] the official religion of Iran.<ref>Safaviyya dar 'Arsa-ye Din, Farhang va Siyasat, vol. 1, pp. 22 and 23.</ref>

The Safavid dynasty is considered one of the most important governments in Iranian history.<ref>"Athar-e Ravani-ye Khurafagarayi va Naqsh-e An dar Suqut-e Silsila-ye Safavi," p. 391.</ref> During this period, Iran, after nine centuries, regained its pre-Islamic form as an independent political entity.<ref>Safaviyya dar 'Arsa-ye Din, Farhang va Siyasat, vol. 1, p. 13.</ref> The Safavid era is also praised for its economic prosperity and for the expansion of Shi'a culture and written heritage.<ref>Safaviyya dar 'Arsa-ye Din, Farhang va Siyasat, vol. 1, pp. 14 and 15.</ref>



== Impact of Iran-Ottoman Conflict on Iranian Hajj ==
During the Safavid era, the political differences between Iran and the Ottoman Empire greatly affected the Hajj of Iranians; because the Hajj route passed through Ottoman territories and was accompanied by difficulties and restrictions during wartime.<ref>Asnad va Mukatabat-e Siyasi-ye Iran az Sal-e 1015 ta 1038, p. 29; Shah Tahmasb Safavi, pp. 203 to 207; Az Shaykh Safi ta Shah Safi, p. 213.</ref> In some years, the Hajj was suspended for political reasons; for example, in 1047 AH, by order of the Ottoman Sultan Murad IV, Iranians were expelled from Mecca and prevented from performing Hajj for several years.<ref>Manaih al-Karam, vol. 4, pp. 181 and 182.</ref> It is also said that [[Shah 'Abbas I|Shah 'Abbas Safavi]] temporarily banned the Hajj journey to prevent money from leaving for enemy territory.<ref>Safarnameh-ye Krusinski, p. 25; Tarikh-e Muntazam-e Nasiri, vol. 2, p. 1037.</ref> However, during periods of peace between Iran and the Ottoman Empire, the Hajj for Iranians was performed with greater freedom, and there are reports of numerous journeys by Iranians, including Safavid government dignitaries and Shi'a scholars, and even the residence of some of them in Mecca and Medina.<ref>Manaih al-Karam, vol. 5, pp. 256 and 265.</ref>



== Safavids' Relationship with the Rulers of Mecca ==
The conflict between the Safavids and the Ottoman government fueled anti-Iranian rumors and anti-Shi'a sentiments in Mecca.<ref>al-I'lam bi-A'lam Bayt Allah al-Haram, pp. 277 to 281.</ref> Various reports exist concerning the Safavid government's relationship with the rulers of Mecca. News of the Sharif of Mecca's celebration and rejoicing over the Ottoman Sultan's victory against Shah Tahmasb Safavi (941 and 942 AH) is mentioned in sources.<ref>Nayl al-Muna, vol. 2, pp. 582 and 609.</ref> However, reports also exist regarding the good relations between the Safavid government and the sharifs of Mecca. A letter written by Shah 'Abbas II (r. 1052–1077 AH) to the Sharif of Mecca, in which he refers to the improvement of his relations with the sharifs of Mecca, is an indication of these relations.<ref>Maqalat-e Tarikhi, Daftar 11, pp. 70 and 71.</ref> Also, the significant hospitality shown by the Sharif of Mecca to the Safavid government dignitaries present in the Iranian Hajj caravan in 1111 AH provoked the skepticism and displeasure of a number of Sunni historians.<ref>Manaih al-Karam, vol. 5, pp. 255 and 256.</ref>

=== Safavids and the Family of the Sharifs of Medina ===
The Safavid government had friendly relations with the Shi'a sharif families of Medina, especially from the time of Shah 'Abbas the Great (996–1038 AH). Among these families were the [[Ashraf Banu Shuqdum]], some of whom came to Iran during the Safavid era and were respected by the Safavid kings. These sharifs, upon coming to Iran, in addition to acquiring knowledge from Iranian scholars, established connections with the royal court, received many gifts, and resided in Iran temporarily or permanently. A large endowment dedicated to the Sayyids of Medina during the reign of Shah 'Abbas the Great, which included half of the rent from shops, caravanserais, and baths in Naqsh-e Jahan Square in [[Isfahan]], is a sign of the Safavids' attachment to the Sayyids of Medina.<ref>Maqalat-e Tarikhi, Daftar 11, pp. 76 and 77; Muhajiran-e Al-e Abi Talib, pp. 146, 646 and 647.</ref>



== Endowments ==
During the Safavid period, a major transformation occurred in the matter of endowment. For example, [[Shah 'Abbas I|Shah 'Abbas]] in 1016 AH, divided all his private properties into fourteen parts and endowed them to the Fourteen Infallibles (a), and appointed his subsequent kings as custodians of these endowments.<ref>Siyasat va Iqtisad-e 'Asr-e Safavi, p. 74.</ref>



== Religious Celebrations ==
A part of the rituals of the Safavid period related to religious and spiritual joyful ceremonies. Public Muslim celebrations such as [[Eid al-Fitr]] and [[Eid al-Adha]] were held extensively and with the direct presence of the Shah. It seems that the political and religious rivalries of the Safavids with the Ottomans were also an effective factor in the Safavid kings holding these celebrations with much propaganda and fanfare. It is said that Safavid kings paid special attention to these celebrations. Alongside them, specific religious celebrations such as [[Eid al-Ghadir|Ghadir Khumm]] and the birth anniversaries of the Shi'a Imams had a significant presence with the holding of mawlids and joyful ceremonies in the social context, and it seems that the kings themselves insisted on holding such celebrations.<ref>"Justari dar Jashnha-ye Dini va Madhhabi dar Iran-e 'Asr-e Safaviyya," p. 262.</ref>

== Pilgrimage Journeys of Safavid Kings ==
A review of the pilgrimage journeys of Safavid kings shows that priority was given to visiting the [[Shrine of Imam Reza (a)]], which was common among almost all Safavid kings; however, only four of them visited the holy sites in Iraq. These include:<ref>"The Status of the Two Holy Shrines and the Holy Atabat in Safavid and Ottoman Relations," p. 33.</ref> [[Shah Isma'il I]], the founder of the Safavid dynasty, who visited the Atabat in 914 AH after conquering Baghdad; Shah Tahmasb Safavi; Shah 'Abbas; and Shah Safi. <ref>"The Status of the Two Holy Shrines and the Holy Atabat in Safavid and Ottoman Relations," pp. 34 and 35.</ref><ref>"The Status of the Two Holy Shrines and the Holy Atabat in Safavid and Ottoman Relations," pp. 36 and 37.</ref>

== Construction Activities of Safavid Kings in the Atabat ==
During the Safavid era, significant construction activities took place in the Atabat<ref>"The Status of the Two Holy Shrines and the Holy Atabat in Safavid and Ottoman Relations," p. 41.</ref> to the extent that some researchers believe that Iraqi architecture after the Safavid era was influenced by the Iranian architectural style.<ref>''Safarnameh'' Tavernier, p. 55.</ref>

Safavid construction activities in the Atabat of Iraq sometimes involved fundamental and complete reconstruction of buildings, and sometimes were limited to decoration and minor repairs. Most of these repairs began during the time of [[Shah Isma'il I]], and reached their peak during the reign of [[Shah 'Abbas I]]. <ref>"The Status of the Two Holy Shrines and the Holy Atabat in Safavid and Ottoman Relations," p. 42.</ref>

[[Shah Isma'il I]], after visiting the Atabat in 914 AH, adorned the shrines with Iranian silk carpets, golden curtains, and gold and silver chandeliers; this was the first use of gold in the decoration of the holy thresholds.<ref>''Iran in the Time of Shah Isma'il and Shah Tahmasb'', p. 496.</ref> His most important construction activity was the complete reconstruction of the [[Holy Shrine of Kazimayn]].<ref>''History of the Shrine of Kazimayn'', translated by Gholamreza Akbari, pp. 62''-''63.</ref>

During the reign of [[Shah Tahmasb I]], the [[Holy Shrine of Imam al-Husayn (a)]] and the [[Holy Shrine of Hadrat al-'Abbas (a)]] were extensively reconstructed, and for the welfare of pilgrims and to improve the situation of the Shi'a of Karbala, the "Tahmasbiyya" canal was dug from the [[Euphrates]] towards [[Karbala]].<ref>''The Holy Atabat in Iran-Ottoman Relations in the Nineteenth Century'' (with emphasis on the era of 'Abd al-Hamid II), p. 25.</ref> During the time of [[Shah 'Abbas I]], the reconstruction of the Atabat accelerated, and due to his special devotion to [[Imam 'Ali (a)]], the main structure of [[Najaf]] was founded by him.<ref>''Dhayl Tarikh-i 'Alam-ara-yi 'Abbasi'', edited by Soheili Khansari, p. 94; "The Status of the Two Holy Shrines and the Holy Atabat in Safavid and Ottoman Relations," p. 47.</ref>

== Footnotes ==
{{پانویس}}

== References ==
{{منابع}}

{{دانشنامه
 | آدرس = http://hzrc.ac.ir/post/8027
 | عنوان = Iran
 | نویسنده = Kamran Mohammadhosseini
}}
* '''"Psychological Effects of Superstition and its Role in the Fall of the Safavid Dynasty"''', Hassanvand, 'Ali, National Conference on Management, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Collection of Articles of the Eighth International Conference and Eleventh National Conference on Management, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences.
* '''From Shaykh Safi to Shah Safi''', Hosseini Astarabadi, Sayyid Hasan b. Mortada, edited by Eshraghi, Tehran, Nashr-e 'Elmi, 1366 SH.
* '''Political Documents and Correspondence of Iran from 1105 to 1135 AH''', edited by 'Abd al-Husayn Nava'i, Tehran, Mo'asseseh-ye Motale'at va Tahqiqat-e Farhangi, 1363 SH.
* '''_al-I'lam bi-A'lam Bayt Allah al-Haram_''', Nahrawali, Muhammad b. Ahmad, edited by 'Ali Muhammad, Cairo, Maktabat al-Thaqafat al-Diniyya, 1425 AH.
* '''_Iran dar Ruzgar-e Shah Isma'il va Shah Tahmasb_''', Khwandamir, Amir Mahmud, Tehran, Adabi, 1370 SH.
* '''_Tarikh-e Haram-e Kazimayn_''', Al Yasin, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan, translated by Gholamreza Akbari, [n.p.], World Congress of Hadrat Reza, 1371 SH.
* '''_Tarikh-e Jahan-gosha-ye Naderi_''', Astarabadi, Muhammad Mahdi, Dunya-ye Ketab, 1368 SH.
* '''_Tarikh-e Montazam-e Naseri_''', E'temad al-Saltaneh, Muhammad Hasan Khan, edited by Rezvani, Tehran, Dunya-ye Ketab, 1367 SH.
* '''"Tabriz in the Course of History"''', Ezzatpour, 'Adalat, _Majalleh-ye Ketab-e Mah_, History and Geography, no. 150, 1390 SH.
* '''"The Status of the Two Holy Shrines and the Holy Atabat in Safavid and Ottoman Relations"''', Mohammadi, Ramadan, and Muhammad Baqir Khaza'ili, Pazhuheshkadeh-ye Hajj va Ziyarat, n.d.
* '''"An Inquiry into Religious and Ceremonial Festivals in Safavid Iran"''', Motavalli, 'Abd Allah, Beygi, Muhammad Hasan, Sabourifar, Farhad, _Tarikh-e Islam_, no. 89, 1401 SH.
* '''_Dhayl Tarikh-e 'Alam-ara-yi 'Abbasi_''', Turkman, Iskandar Beyk, edited by Soheili Khansari, Tehran, Islamiyya, 1371 SH.
* '''''Safarnameh'' Tavernier''', Tavernier, Jean-Baptiste, translated by Abu Turab Nouri, Tehran, Ketabkhaneh-ye Sana'i, 1336 SH.
* '''_Safarnameh-ye Krosinski: Yad-dasht-ha-ye Kashish-e Lehastani-ye 'Asr-e Safavi_''', translated by 'Abd al-Razzaq Donboli Maftoun, edited by Mirahmadi, Tehran, 1363 SH.
*'''_Siyasat va Eqtesad-e 'Asr-e Safavi_''', Bastani Parizi, Muhammad Ibrahim, Tehran, Bongah-e Matbu'ati-ye Safi 'Alishah, 1348 SH.
* '''_Shah Tahmasb Safavi_''', Nava'i, 'Abd al-Husayn, Tehran, Arghavan, 1368 SH.
* '''_Safaviyya az Zuhur ta Zaval_''', Ja'farian, Rasul, Tehran, Danesh va Andisheh-ye Mo'aser, first edition, 1378 SH.
* '''_Safaviyan dar 'Arseh-ye Din, Farhang va Siyasat_''', Ja'farian, Rasul, Qom, Pazhuheshkadeh-ye Hawzeh va Daneshgah, 1379 SH.
* '''_Safaviyan dar Gozargah-e Tarikh_''', Safakis, Hamid Reza, Tehran, Sokhan, first edition, 1390 SH.
* '''_Atabat-e 'Aliyat dar Ravabet-e Iran va 'Osmani-ye Qarn-e Nuzdahom_''' (with emphasis on the era of 'Abd al-Hamid II), Arabkhani, Rasul, Qom, Pazhuheshgah-e Hawzeh va Daneshgah, 1393 SH.
* '''_Ganjineh-ye Asar-e Tarikhi-ye Isfahan_''', Honarfar, Lotf Allah, Isfahan, Saqafi, 1350 SH.
* '''"The Legitimacy of the Safavid State and the Formation of Shi'i Religious Institutions"''', 'Alavi, Nosrat Khatun, _Motale'at-e Siyasi-Ejtema'i-ye Tarikh va Farhang-e Iran_, no. 17, Spring 1405 SH.
* '''_Maqalat-e Tarikhi_''', Ja'farian, Rasul, Qom, Dalil-e Ma, 1387–1388 SH.
* '''_Mana'ih al-Karam_''', Sanjari, 'Ali b. Taj al-Din, edited by al-Misri, Mecca, Jami'at Umm al-Qura, 1419 AH.
* '''_Muhajiran-e Al-e Abu Talib_''', Ibn Tabataba, Ibrahim b. Nasir, translated by 'Ata'i, Astan Quds Razavi, 1372 SH.
* '''_Nyl al-Muna bi-Dhayl Bulugh al-Qura_''', Ibn Fahd Makki, Jarallah Muhammad, edited by al-Hayla, al-Furqan, 1420 AH.
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{{خاندان‌ها}}

[[Category:Families]]
[[Category:Ruling families]]
[[Category:Influential families in the Two Holy Shrines]]

[[ar:الصفويون]]
[[fa:صفویان]]