The '''Safavid Dynasty''' ruled an Iranian kingdom from 1502 to 1722 A.D. Established by [[Ismail Safavi]], they originated in Iranian [[Azerbaijan]]. He declared [[Iran]] a [[Shiite]] [[Islamic]] state - a designation that is still true today. | The '''Safavid Dynasty''' ruled an Iranian kingdom from 1502 to 1722 A.D. Established by [[Ismail Safavi]], they originated in Iranian [[Azerbaijan]]. He declared [[Iran]] a [[Shiite]] [[Islamic]] state - a designation that is still true today. |