Social+Structure

Social Structure


 * In the Safavid empire, it was dominated by the warrior aristocracies (which were also known as the Kizilbash) that helped Shah Ismail capture Tabriz.
 * Kizilbash power declined at the of Shah Abbas
 * Power shifted to a new merchant class including ethnic Armenians, Georgians, and Indians as well as noblity.


 * Social Structure
 * 1) King and royal class
 * 2) Noblity - filled administrative posts
 * 3) Rich merchant class
 * 4) Artisans (city-dwellers)
 * 5) Pesants

Women
 * Not equal to men
 * Early Safavid women had considerable power and respect amongst them. They could also be patrons of art, architecture, and religious institutions.
 * The Early Safavid differed with other Islamic societies
 * If wanting a divorce, it could be done by either man or woman
 * After the death of Abbas the Great, women lost some of their rights

Daniel Stalzer