Safavids

Template:جعبه اطلاعات خاندان Safavids were 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 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. 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. The founder of this dynasty was Shah Isma'il I and its last king was Shah Sultan Husayn. This dynasty made Shi'ism the official religion of Iran.

The Safavid dynasty is considered one of the most important governments in Iranian history. During this period, Iran, after nine centuries, regained its pre-Islamic form as an independent political entity. The Safavid era is also praised for its economic prosperity and for the expansion of Shi'a culture and written heritage.

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. 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. It is also said that Shah 'Abbas Safavi temporarily banned the Hajj journey to prevent money from leaving for enemy territory. 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.

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. 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. 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. 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.

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.

Endowments

During the Safavid period, a major transformation occurred in the matter of endowment. For example, 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.

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 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.

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: 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.

Construction Activities of Safavid Kings in the Atabat

During the Safavid era, significant construction activities took place in the Atabat to the extent that some researchers believe that Iraqi architecture after the Safavid era was influenced by the Iranian architectural style.

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.

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. His most important construction activity was the complete reconstruction of the Holy Shrine of Kazimayn.

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. 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.

References

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