Collapse of the Caliphate and Rise of the Safavids: Behind a Major Change in Iranian History

Written by Amir Teymour Rafiei, “Political and Religious Foundations of the Establishment of Iran’s First Shiite State” draws on credible historical sources to examine the role of intellectual factors, Alid migrations, and political developments after the fall of the Abbasid Caliphate in the emergence of Iran’s first Twelver Shiite state.

According to the report of the Ambassador of Arjan and quoted by the Ambassador of Arjan - Tahira Mehri - the book "Political and Religious Grounds of the Establishment of the First Shiite Government in Iran" written by Amirtimur Rafiei was published by Soroush Publishing House.

"Political and religious contexts of the establishment of the first Shiite government in Iran" is an in-depth research that, relying on reliable historical sources, examines the political, social and religious processes and developments that led to the emergence of the Safavid government in Iran. This book traces the formation of Shiite thought and culture from the early Islamic centuries to the 8th and 9th centuries of Hijri and analyzes the role of Alawite migration, the scientific and missionary efforts of Shiite scholars, and the political developments after the fall of the Abbasid Caliphate in the spread of Shiism in Iran. The authors show how following the emergence of Shia Sufi currents and the support of some local rulers, the necessary social and intellectual foundation for the establishment of Shia religion was provided, and finally, Shah Ismail Safavi was able to establish the first Twelver Shia government in Iran.

Amirtimur Rafiei is a university professor and a specialist in the history of the Timurid period. Four books and sixty scientific articles have been published by this history researcher, which is the result of more than 30 years of teaching and research in the field of Iranian history.

This book is about understanding the history of Shiism in Iran in the middle period and how the first Shiite government was formed in that era.

In "Amir Chopan's role in consolidating the power of the patriarchs", we read:

Amir Chopan was one of the great Mongol amirs who played an important role in consolidating the rule of Ilkhan Abu Said. During the time of the previous Ilkhans, he was a fearless and brave commander and at the same time a great politician who had proven his worth many times in different fields. For this reason, during the reign of Abu Said, due to his young age, he became the real ruler of the country and managed the country with the utmost power and ability. He has played a role in the rebellions of domestic opponents as well as the aggression of foreign rulers as one of the main factors in suppressing them, and he was highly regarded for his outstanding efforts in sensitive political and military situations.

What is proven by studying the history and history of the past nations is that the presence of influential people in the government apparatus of the rulers has not been unaffected in the course of events. It is safe to say that sometimes the fate of a dynasty or the reign of a king has undergone great changes due to their presence. Ilkhans were no exception to this rule. By studying the events of this era, the name of Amir Chopan appears many times in the rule of different patriarchal kings. It can be said that Amir Chupan was among the people who had an effective presence in different periods of Ilkhanate rule, especially Sultan Abu Saeed's rule. His influence during the reign of Abu Said is so great that he can be considered the real ruler of the Sultanate.

The unstable political-military situation during the rule of Abu Saeed caused the rebellion of internal opponents and the aggression of foreign rulers, which were the two most important threatening factors during the rule of Abu Saeed. By defeating the aggression of foreign rulers such as Shah Dasht Qabchag and suppressing those who were against the government, Amir Chupan had a great impact on the consolidation of the rule of the Ilkhanate, because for a long time the opponents did not dare to rebel or revolt within the rule of Sultan Abu Saeed. The defeat of the opposing commanders and the killing of their elders greatly increased the shock and dignity of Amir Chopan in the eyes of Abu Said. At this time, Amir Chopan was at the height of his power, and the division of power between him and his children kept the way of intrusion and rebellion closed for a long time, so that with the renewed attack on Elus Khans of the Qabchag plain and the victory of the Ilkhani army, Abu Said was relieved of the danger of aggression and rebellion for a long time.

According to the studies conducted in the sources of the Mughal and Timurid eras, there is no mention of his place of birth and the period before his entry into politics. Regarding his ancestry, which is briefly stated in some sources, it seems that his people were a branch of the Turkic and Mongol tribes, which were called Seldus Selduz; A tribe of Mongolian Turks, whose nickname was Mongol in ancient times, and many tribes were born from them. His great-grandfather was named Surghan Shire, who was noticed by Genghis Khan because he had freed Genghis from the captivity of the Taijiut people and because of this, he had separated from his people and moved with his family. Later, Genghis also showed respect to him and his children by taking the seat of power. In this way, the influence of the shepherd family in the patriarchal government system was provided.

Hafiz Abro wrote about Amir Chopan's personality traits and actions that he had a very good character and was a Muslim who believed in the principles of Sharia. He was good-natured and had the right belief. You constantly pay attention to performing obedience and worship. He never drank wine and never completed a rakat of his prayers. He left many works. The buildings built by him on the way to Egypt and Syria are still standing. Amir Chopan brought water to Makkah by reviving the Zubaidah canal, which resulted in an increase in water and its cheapness during Hajj. This water was so sufficient and plentiful that vegetables were grown abundantly in the city.

The book "Political and Religious Fields of Establishing the First Shiite Government in Iran" written by Amirtimur Rafiei and the collaboration of Ismail Sakha was published in 609 pages, 300 copies, by Soroush Publications.