The Safavid Empire was less ethnically diverse than the Ottoman Empire. Although a majority of the people in the kingdom were Iranians, there were also some Arabs, Turks, and Armenians. The empire's rulers, like the Ottoman rulers, were Muslim, yet the Safavid Empire used religion differently to promote order and stability within its realm. For more information, go to Safavid Dynasty. According to this site, Shah Ismail I succeeded in establishing religious unity among most of his subjects by encouraging their conversion to the Shi'a sect of Islam. To learn more about Shi'ism, go to Shi'ism and then read the section entitled "Isma'il" at Safavids.
How, according to this site, did Shi'ite Islam promote the authority of the Safavid Empire and strengthen loyalty to the state? What has been its legacy in this region of the world? What other traditions did the Safavid Empire use to buttress its authority?
Be prepared tomorrow to discuss the governing styles of the Ottoman Empire with class. We will discuss the similarities and differences of the governing styles of the three Islamic empires.