Shah Abbas

Today’s Clear Targets1. I can explain why

Constantinople was conquered.2. I can show how Mehmed II the

Conqueror transformed Constantinople into Istanbul.

Cultural Blending

What is it?Example?

Cultural Blendinga sharing of cultures to create a unique civilization

What causes culture blending?

O MigrationO TradeO Conquest O Religious Freedom or Conversion

Safavid Empire

Shah Abbas the GreatSafavid Ruler

Shah Abbas “Abbas the Great” (1571-1629)

O Blend of Persian, Ottoman, and Arab worlds

O Golden Age “time of wealth” 1588O Saw several problems and found unique

solutions.

Problem SolutionO Surrounded by

aggressive Empires.

O No Religious Diversity

O Few Natural Resources to trade.

O Countries not trading with you.

O Inefficient government

Punished corruption Create new center

of trade. Create good

relationships with rich counties.

Sign a peace treaty with enemies.

Allow religious tolerance

Ottomans & Seljuk’sO The Safavid Empire was between two

aggressive empires.O Shah Abbas signed a truce with the

Ottomans, and attacked the Seljuk’s together. Then he attacked his ally and forced them out.

Inefficient GovernmentO The father of Shah Abbas was a poor leader.

Shah Abbas overthrow his father and took over.

O Shah Abbas inherited a chaotic country with many divisions.

O Those loyal to Shah Abbas were given rewards and corrupt officials were fired.

Few Natural ResourcesOShah Abbas created good

relationships with China and Europe.

OPeople from China & Europe brought their goods and ideas to the Safavids.

The City of IsfahanOShah Abbas moved his capital to

Isfahan.OThe city became the center of

the international silk trade.

Changes under Shah AbbasO Art Work:

OAbbas allowed hundreds of Chinese artists to create paintings, glass windows, pottery, that decorate the churches in Isfahan.

Changes under Shah AbbasOCarpets:

OCountries wanted carpets made in the Safavid Empire

OWith so many countries wanting carpets, this helped the Safavid Empire become friends with different countries.

Safavid Carpets

Safavid Empire Art

Abbas and culture blending

RecapOWhat do you believe what

Shah Abbas’s best solution?ODraw a star next to this

part of your notes.