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.