Empire 115. The Great Conversion: How Iran became Shia
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Jan 18, 2024 Barnaby Rogerson, an expert on Middle Eastern history and author of "The House Divided," discusses the pivotal Sunni-Shia split ignited by the 16th-century Safavid dynasty in Iran. He explores the rise of Shia Islam as a national identity and the cultural significance of this transformation. Rogerson also delves into the socio-political struggles during Shah Ismail's reign, including the conflicts with the Ottoman Empire and the enduring impacts of sectarian violence. His insights reveal how these historical moments continue to shape the modern Middle East.
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Shah Ismail's Lineage
- Shah Ismail, the first Safavid Shah, had a remarkable lineage.
- He was descended from Sufi mystics, Byzantine emperors, Genghis Khan, and Timur.
Shah Ismail's Upbringing
- Shah Ismail's family, though of potentially noble lineage, lived modestly.
- They adhered to the Islamic tradition of powerful families living humbly, relying on followers' gifts.
Shah Ismail's Charisma
- Italian chroniclers described Shah Ismail as charismatic and possessing a royal bearing.
- He was seen as handsome, fair, and almost worshipped by his soldiers, many willing to die for him.
