Safavid Empire: The Giant Islamic Government in Iran and Surrounding Regions

The origins of the Safavid dynasty can be traced back to a Sufi order founded in the Azerbaijani city of Ardabil. Initially a spiritual movement, the Safavid order transformed into a formidable political force. The dynasty, which had Kurdish Iranian roots, became increasingly Turkified through intermarriages with various ethnic groups, including Turkoman, Georgian, Circassian, and Pontic Greek officials. As a result, the Safavid leaders became Turkish-speaking and culturally integrated into the diverse milieu of the region.