Geographic consideration
The Safavids ruled over what is today, Iran what they called Persia
they also ruled northern Iraq. Where they lived was the center of trade routes in the ancient times. Their trade started to grow between Europe and the Islamic civilizations of central Asia and India. Iran became a center of art, architecture, poetry and philosophy since trade flourished in the city. The reason why trade was big was because their geography. Other empires would have to go through sea or around Iran to trade, so going through Iran was easier.
Major Religion
The religion of the Safavids was Shi’ism they made this the state religion. Then started to convert all of their people to this or drove them out if they didn’t convert. Shi’ism is an islamic religion that involved the belief in the Qur’an.They made shines and altars, and stopped making pilgrimages to Mecca (haij). All other Islamic religions were suppressed. The Safavids was a theocracy which was the religious leaders ruled the empire. Their leaders we chosen by legitimate succession from Muhammad.
Cultural Influence
Once Shi’ism became the state religion they converted the sunni, they were either killed or left. They also banned the safi which were mystic groups that the Safavids used to be. Also shrines that weren’t of their religion were vandalized. They also stopped their people from doing Haij or pilgrimages to Mecca. When the religion flourished the people started to celebrate festivals, and then theology and philosophy developed in this time during the Safavid Empire
The Safavid Empire 