In the early sixteenth century Iran was united under the rule of the Safavid Dynasty (1501–1722). Isma‘il Safavi was crowned in Tabriz as the first Safavid shah (r. 1501–24). Upon his accession, Shi‘a Islam became the official religion of the new state. At the height of their power, the Safavids controlled not only Iran, but also the countries now known as Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Armenia, Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan, as well as parts of Georgia, Türkiye, Syria, Pakistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

In the arts, manuscript illustration enjoyed royal patronage. Isma‘il’s son, Shah Tahmasp (r. 1524–76), who had been trained in painting at an early age, was an active patron of the arts of the book. In architecture, the Safavids commissioned mosques, mausoleums, and palaces, and restored shrines dedicated to Shi‘a saints. The most distinguished Safavid ruler was Shah ‘Abbas (r. 1587–1629). In 1597–98 he transferred his capital to Isfahan in southern Iran. Exquisite carpets and silk textiles were produced in workshops under state patronage there. The art of painting continued to flourish, with single-page paintings and drawings becoming more popular than illustrated manuscripts. Web resources here, here and here.

The Imam Mosque (formerly the Royal Mosque), Isfahan, Iran. Safavid. 1611–1630.