1501-1736 safavid empire. safavids considered an heir to the persian line persian empire seleucids...
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Considered an heir to the Persian line Persian Empire Seleucids Parthians Sasanids SafavidsTRANSCRIPT
1501-1736
Safavid Empire
Safavids
Considered an heir to the Persian line Persian Empire Seleucids Parthians Sasanids
Safavids
Safavids
1501-1723
Ethnically mixedShiite Kingdom
(Shia is the minority group in Islam) Religious mission and Sacred ruler
Founded by Shah Ismail Expansion (halted by Ottomans)
Shah Abbas Peak of Dynasty
Goal of culture and trade Capital built at Isfahan
Safavid Kingdom
Shortest lived of the Islamic KingdomsWas caught between very powerful empires
Ottomans to the West Mughals to the East (an Islamic empire in India) European sea power to the south Russians to the north
This effected trade and territory Trade had to be diverted through Russia Constant border wars on all sides
Decline
Despite having globally desired goods (Persian rugs), trade was difficult.
Constant border wars on all sidesPopular unrest and revolt
Ruling family was kicked out by the warriorsZand Dynasty rules until 1794Qajar Dynasty 1794-1925
Qajar Dynasty had failed to curtail Russian advances
Modernization takes place similar to Turkey Early on met with resistance Dynasty turned to Russia and Great Britain to protect
itself from its own people This outside influence encouraged a Persian national
movement
Nationalist Movement
Part of movement was to prevent Russian advance in northwest and curtail European influence on Persian industry (Profits seemed to disappear into hands of dynasty’s
ruling elite)Opposition to the regime
Peasants and Merchants (religiously supported)1906 – popular pressures forced the shah to
grant a constitution on the Western model
Problems
Modernizers moved to quickly (similar to Turkey)
Shah was able to maintain control only with British and Russian support Spheres of influence Oil discovered 1908, but profits from exports went to
British investors
Mutiny
1921 – Reza Khan (an officer in the army) led a mutiny Seized power in Tehran (the new capital) Wanted to establish a republic
Traditional forces resisted and impeded his efforts Became Shah and started a new dynasty
Followed Ataturk’s example in reform
Reform
Modernized civilian and military bureaucracyEstablished modern economic infrastructureChanged the name of the nation to Iran
Differed from Ataturk: Did not attempt to destroy the power of Islamic beliefs
(He did, however, encourage western-style education and forbade the veiling of women).
Exploitation of women was not destroyed (textile industry)
During WWII, Soviets and British sent troops into Iran Reza Khan resigned in protest and soon died (Background, Soviets are communist, so therefore
neither wants the other to have control of Iran. Why? You guessed it: oil)
Mohammad Reza Pahlavi takes over as Shah (Khan Reza’s son)
Thanks to oil, Iran is he richest of the Middle East countries
With U.S. help (via alliance), Iran tries to become a stable force. Social and Economic reforms
Per capita income increased Literacy rates improved Modern communications infrastructure took shape Middle class emerged
Problems still exist Peasants are landless High unemployment among intellectuals Inflation Extreme Housing costs
Religious discontent
Demonstrations against government – riotsWorkers strikes
Government collapsed (1979 Revolution) Replaced by a republic Ayatollah Khomeini headed republic Reign of terror Attacks against the U.S. Embassy –hostages
U.S. was source of corruption as well as protection of Israel Hostages only freed to free frozen Iranian assets in the U.S.
(economy was pretty bad.)
After hostages were released, 1981, government displayed some tolerance
Clamped down in the 1990s Censorship Universities were purged of disloyalty Homes were raided to check for blasphemous
activities
New President in 1997 loosened things up Definite power struggle with traditionalists
Two important leaders Shah Ismael Abbas the Great