Muhît Tabâtabâî, Derviş Postundan Saltanat Tahtına

Abstract

Muhît Tabâtabâî’s “From the Rug of a Dervish to the Throne of Sovereignty” is a critical work that comprehensively examines the sociocultural and political transformations in Iranian history. This study, published in 1345 A.H. (1966 C.E.) in issues 31, 33, and 34 of Salname-i Vahid, examines the historical continuities and ruptures between the Sâsânîan and Safavid periods through a comparative perspective, focusing on the debated Kurdish origins of the Safavids. Through historical documents, the work examines Sheikh Safi al-Din’s connections with Kurdish tribes and regional communities, shedding light on the origins of the Safavid movement and the sociopolitical dynamics of religious authority in Ardabil. The study explores the Safavid dynasty’s conversion to Shi’ism and the influence of its organizational structure on this transformation. It also provides an in-depth analysis of the ideological, social, and military strategies employed during the Ottoman-Safavid conflicts. By examining the Safavid legacy, the study offers new perspectives on the emergence of a unique political identity in Iran and its broader implications.