Shi'a Islam

A comprehensive exploration of Iran's transformation from the ancient Sassanian Empire through Islamic conquest to the modern Islamic Republic, examining its unique Shi'a identity, religious leadership structure, and profound impact on Islamic civilization and culture.

The Safavid Dynasty (1501-1736 CE) transformed Persia into a Shi'a empire, establishing Twelver Shi'ism as the state religion and presiding over a remarkable cultural, artistic, and architectural renaissance that shaped Iranian identity for centuries to come.