SocietyThe Middle East

The Safavids make Iran Shia

Jan 1, 1501 – Jan 1, 1736

A decision that still divides the Middle East

In depth

The division gave Iran an identity of its own between the Ottoman and Mughal empires, and made the two great Islamic powers lasting rivals. Isfahan was rebuilt into one of the world's most beautiful cities under Abbas I — "Isfahan is half the world", ran the saying. Persian art, carpet weaving and miniature painting reached their height.

For children

Shah Ismail declared Shia Islam the state religion of Persia, in a country that was largely Sunni. Over some generations the whole population converted. That is why Iran differs from its neighbours today.

Connects to

The Ottoman empire at its heightJan 1, 1520 – Jan 1, 1566
The Mughal empireJan 1, 1526 – Jan 1, 1857
Islam beginsJan 622
The Sasanian empire224 – 651

Part of Terra Saga — the story of Earth on a timeline. terrasaga.org