Under the Safavids knowledge of subjects like science, mathematics, and medicine was equal to that of other societies in the region and because of that Persia witnessed an extraordinary flowering of the arts under the reign of Shah Abbas from 1588 to 1629.
The capital of Isfahan was a grandiose planned city built by the great Shah Abbas. Everything from the palaces to the mosques, were built around a huge polo ground. The mosques and palaces were beautiful and many craftspeople adorned them with imaginative metalwork, elaborate tiles, and delicate glass vessels. In modern day Iran much of the city still stands and is a gem to the people.
During the Safavids silk and rug weaving greatly flourished. Silks were brilliant colors with silver and gold threads and the weavings portrayed all types of nature. Although the silk was amazing the carpet was what greatly flourished because they were greatly demanded for in the west.
Painting under the Safavids enjoyed a time of simplicity with subjects like oxen plowing fields, hunters, and lovers. Riza-i-Abbasi the most famous artist of the time used soft colors and flowing movements in his paintings.

Economy and Trade

The Safavid shahs and affluent urban middle class were both an active part in the trade and manufacturing activity. Most goods in the empire traveled by horse or camel caravans and although the roads were poor the government built resting stops for travelers. During the reign of a strong ruler the roads were kept clean from ruffians.
Safavid Persia at its height rivaled the great Persian empires of the past although it probably was not as prosperous as its neighbors to the east and west. Their neighbors the Moguls and the Ottomans were hemmed in by the sea power of the Europeans and the land power of the Ottomans. Trade from the Safavids to the Europeans was usually difficult.

The Role of the Shah

Safavid rulers were supported by Shiites who believed Shah Ismail, the founder of the empire was the direct descendant of the prophet Muhammad. The shahs declared Shia Islam to be state religion. Visitors stated that shahs were more available to the public than elsewhere. They show familiarity to strangers and their own subjects feasting with them freely.
Decisive shahs controlled the power of landed aristocracy. They seized landed estates of aristocrats and took them under their power. Appointment of senior positions in the bureaucracy was based on merits not birth and to avoid conflict between Turkish and non Turkish elements Shah Abbas hired foreigners for places in his government.

Glory and Decline

In Chapter 8.2 on the Glory and Decline many things happened. Shah Abbas ruled the Safavids from 1588-1629 and he strengthened the army with the latest weapons. During this time , a system was created to train administrators and the Safavids reached the high point of glory. In the early 17th century he went against Ottomans to regain territory and he was helped by European states. In 1629 a treaty was signed which gave Azerbajjan back to the Safavids. After Shah dies , religious elements increased in society. Shah Hussein then ruled in the early 18th century and people seized the capital of Isfaham. Remnants of the family were forced to retreat to Azerbaijan , their original homeland. Turks took advantage and they seized the territories along the western border.

Some Important Words:

ORTHADOXY-pressure to conform to traditional religious beliefs

Example*women with freedom were forced into seclusions 

ANARCHY-lawlessness and disorder

Rise of the Safavid Dynasty

At the beginning of the sixteenth century a new dynasty known as the Safavids took control of the Asian and Persian empire. This dynasty ruled over Persia from 1501 until 1736. They were also incharge of establishing Shi'i Islam as the dominating religion in Iran. The Safavid rulers undertook was very difficult. Iran had many people with independent traditions, laws , culture , and language. They later became ardent Safavids . The dynasty was founded by Shah Ismail who was the descendant of Safi al-Din. In 1499 at the age of twelve Ismail led his army in a war of conquest. In 1500 , he conquered the kingdom of Shirvan , and in 1501 he was crowned King of Tabriz. At the age of fourteen he declared Shi'a Isslam to be state religion of Tabriz. By 1512 he controlled all of Iran.