SOAS Research Online

Abstract

The object of this thesis is, from a study of the contemporary Persian sources, to determine the broad outlines of the development of the early Safawid state, and in particular to describe the evolution of the principal offices of state. As the reforms of 'Abbais I (1587-1629) had a profound effect on the structure and organization of the Safawid state, the accession of 'Abbas I forms a convenient point at which to terminate this thesis, which therefore relates in the main to the reigns of Isma'il I (1501/2-1524) and Tahmasp I (1524-76). An attempt has been made to show how the fundamental dichotomy between Turk and Persian, the lack of any precise definition of the functions of the chief dignitaries, and the absence of any clear differentiation between the classes, affected the development of the Safawid state during this period. It should be noted that this thesis deals only with the most important offices of state, and does not purport to be in any way a complete description of the early Safawid administrative system. An attempt has also been made to determine the factors which enabled the Safawids to impose Shi'ism as the orthodox religion of the Safawid state. In writing the historical background to this thesis, I have endeavoured, on the one hand, to give the shortest account of events consonant with a proper understanding of the period, and, on the other hand, to give a rather fuller picture of events in Khurasan, 'Iraq-i 'Ajam and Fars, during the hundred years between the death of Timur and the accession of Isma'il, than is to be found elsewhere.