FURTHER EVENTS

THE FOUNDING OF THE SAFAVID DYNASTY, PERSIA

(1501)

The Safavid dynasty rose to power under Shah Ismail I, a leader of the Twelver School of Shia Islam, which believes in 12 imams as successors to the prophet Muhammad. In a series of military campaigns lasting until 1509, Shah Ismail conquered Persia (now Iran) and areas of Iraq, in the name of Shia Islam. His son, Shah Tahmasp (r. 1524–76), defended these lands against the neighboring Ottoman empire, whose rulers followed the opposing Sunni School of Islam. The Safavid dynasty established strong Shia rule in Persia, created an efficient government and bureaucracy, and lasted until 1736.

CHARLES V BECOMES HOLY ROMAN EMPEROR

(1519)

One of the most powerful European monarchs as Hapsburg ...

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