Safavid World

The Safavid World draws together scholars of Iranian history to explore every aspect of this fascinating dynasty and places the Safavids in a global context. The volume is divided into four parts, the first part adresses the question of the rise of the Safavids; their coming to power and their success in forging a religiously inspired polity that marked off Iran as the world¿s only Twelver-Shi`i state. Part two addresses social history, court life, military matters, religion and culture. Part three examines Safavid Iran¿s place in the world as viewed through its commercial and diplomatic ties with countries in Asia and Europe and lastly part four provides a glossary of names and terms.