Religious Politics of the Safavid Ruler Shah Abbas

Sheikh Haydar's son Ismail, entered Tabriz in 1501 and proclaimed himself king (shah). Thus the Safavid Empire was founded. Shah Ismail, immediately after establishing his state, declared Shi'ism as the official creed. After the declaration of the Ithna-„ashariyyah branch of Shī„ah as the official sect in Iran, began an intensive conversion (from Sunnism to Shiism) policy. This policy also continued as during the reign of Shah Tahmasp. During the reign of Shah Abbas who is known as a dark Shiite delivered to the highest point. In this article, the religious structure of the Safavid State during the reign of Shah Abbas, religious politics of the Shah, religious minorities in Iran and the Shah's attitude towards the minorities will be examined.