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