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.