Safavids Flashcards
(28 cards)
When was the Safavid State founded and by whom?
In 1501 by 15-year-old Shah Ismail.
Who was Ismail’s grandfather?
Uzun Hasan, the ruler of the Aghgoyunlu state.
Where did Ismail begin his journey to power?
From Lahijan to Ardabil.
How many warriors were in Ismail’s troop?
1500 warriors.
Which regions did Ismail conquer before founding the state?
Shamakhi, Baku, Tabriz.
Who was defeated at Shamakhi?
Farrukh Yassar, ruler of Shirvanshah.
Who was defeated at Tabriz?
Alvend Mirza.
What happened in the autumn of 1501?
Ismail declared himself Shah entering Tabriz and founded the Safavid State.
What was the significance of the Safavid State in Azerbaijan’s history?
It was the first united and centralised Azerbaijani state.
Which language became official in the Safavid court?
Azerbaijani, all meetings were conducted in Azerbaijani.
Which countries had diplomatic ties with the Safavids and what reform relations had they had?
Hungary and Germany; Trade relations.
Who reformed and strengthened the Safavid state the most?
Shah Ismail, Shah Tahmasib, Shah Abbas.
What were the Safavid capital cities over time?
Tabriz, Qazvin (1555), Isfahan (1598).
Why did the Safavid dynasty start to weaken?
Due to continuous wars and external pressure from Ottomans and Russians.
Why did the Ottomans hate the Safavids?
The Ottomans were Sunni Muslims and saw the Shiite Safavids as infidels.
What was the purpose of Ottoman jihad campaigns?
To fight and eliminate Safavid influence.
Which region was often a battleground?
Mesopotamia
How did the Safavids respond diplomatically to Ottoman power?
They sent 34 camels with items like jewel box decorated with a pear-sized ruby, 20 silk carpets, gold-topped tent, illuminated Qurans and valuable manuscripts.
When and where did the Safavids suffer a major defeat?
1524, at the Battle of Chaldiran. Many Safavids supporters living in Ottomans were killed (mass killings), Tabriz was occupied.
Why did Sultan Selim I withdraw from Chaldiran?
Iran’s scorched-earth tactic caused the return.
Who led the Ottomans at Chaldiran?
Sultan Selim I.
What were the consequences of the defeat at Chaldiran?
Loss of Tabriz, decline of Shah’s divine status, and weakened Qizilbash loyalty.
Why did Selim I withdraw from Iran after the victory?
Due to harsh winter and Iran’s scorched-earth policy.
When did the Ottomans occupy Baghdad?
In 1553.
