How Do You Spell SAFAVID DYNASTY?

Pronunciation: [sˈafɐvˌɪd dˈɪnɐsti] (IPA)

The Safavid dynasty was a ruling dynasty of Iran from the 16th to the 18th century. The spelling of "Safavid" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable is "sæ", pronounced with an open "a" sound, like "cat". The second syllable is "fə", pronounced with a schwa sound, like the "a" in "sofa". The final syllable is "vɪd", pronounced with a short "i" sound and then a voiced "d" sound. So, the correct IPA transcription of "Safavid" is /sæfəvɪd/.

SAFAVID DYNASTY Meaning and Definition

1. The Safavid Dynasty was a ruling dynasty in Persia (modern-day Iran) from 1501 to 1736. It is known as one of the most significant Iranian empires and played a crucial role in the nation's cultural, political, and religious history.

   The Safavids rose to power under the leadership of Shah Ismail I, who established the dynasty and adopted Shi'a Islam as the state religion. The dynasty derived its name from the Safaviyya Sufi order to which Ismail belonged. During their reign, the Safavids consolidated their power, expanded their territory, and created a centralized and strong government.

   One of the defining features of the Safavid Dynasty was its promotion of Shi'a Islam as the state religion, which differentiated it from previous Sunni-dominated dynasties. This religious policy led to conflicts with neighboring Sunni powers, particularly the Ottoman Empire. The Safavids consistently fought against the Ottomans for territorial control, resulting in bloody battles and territorial shifts between the two powers for centuries.

   The Safavid Dynasty also witnessed notable cultural and intellectual achievements. This period is often referred to as the "Golden Age" of Persian art, literature, and architecture. Notably, the emergence of Persian miniature painting, the development of poetry, and the construction of grand buildings reflect this flourishing artistic era.

   Ultimately, the Safavid Dynasty declined and fell in 1736 following internal conflicts, weak leadership, and external pressures from neighboring powers. Nevertheless, the Safavids left a lasting impact on the region, particularly in terms of promoting Shi'a Islam, shaping Persian identity, and contributing to the richness of Persian arts and culture.

Etymology of SAFAVID DYNASTY

The word "Safavid" comes from the Persian name "Safīd" meaning "pure" or "unpolluted". The Safavid dynasty, also known as the Safavids, was named after the Safavid order of Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam. This order was founded by the Iranian mystic Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili in the 13th century.