reunified independent state safavid dynasty set shia islam empire 's official religion ref name savoryeiref rm savory ''safavids'' encyclopedia islam nd edition ref marking one important turning points history islam ref name islamic https wwwucalgaryca applied history tutor islam empires safavid abbashtml islamic world applied history research group university calgary retrieved october ref functioning leading world power time amongst neighbouring ottoman empire arch rival centuries iran monarchy ruled emperor almost without interruption iranian revolution
Humanities History Asian history Iranian history