Safevîler Döneminde İran’da Din-Devlet İlişkilerinin Evrimi

Abstract

This thesis examines the transition of the Safavid dynasty from a Sunni Sufi order to the Shi'ite-Imamiyyah sect. In order to comprehend the historical dimension of the subject, the events between 1301 and 1722 have been taken into account. During the early sixteenth century, the establishment of a new Shi'ite state in Iran caused significant concerns, not only for the Ottoman State and the Uzbeks but also among the population of Iran itself. The Safavid shahs utilized the support of the Qizilbash and Shi'i jurists at different stages, in accordance with state interests, and as a result, a powerful Shi'i state was established in Iran. The Safavid dynasty in its establishment period based its legitimacy on the lineage of the Ahl al-Bayt and the authority of the Safaviyeh Sufi order. At this stage, the military power and religious fervor of the Qizilbash served the interests of the Safavids. However, in the following stages, the Qizilbash becoming an unrivaled force in both religious and political arenas weakened the Safavid State against Sunni states that had provided its central authority. Therefore, the Safavid State invited the scholars who were specialized in the organization and principles of the Shi’ite-Imamiyyah sect to Iran. The Shi'i scholars supported the authority of the Safavid shahs and contributed to the moderate spread of the Shi'ite-Imamiyyah sect in Iran. The Shiitization of Iran by the Safavid State started with a policy based on oppression and violence during the reign of Shah Ismail (1501-1524). However, under the reign of Shah Tahmasb (1524-1576) and with the intervention of Shi’ite scholars, this policy shifted towards Shiitization through persuasion, propaganda, and the establishment of Shi’ite organizations. The collaboration between the Safavid State and Shi’ite scholars, which peaked during the reign of Shah Abbas (1587-1629), persisted until the final period despite encountering occasional obstacles. During the Safavid period, the Shi’ite-Imamiyyah sect was organized in all cities of Iran with the definite support of the state, and with the protection of the shahs, it produced works that were not seen in Shi’ite history and gained reputation.