## Safavid period The [[Safavid period]], lasting from 1501 to 1722, marked the establishment of the first national state in Iran after Shah Ismail's decisive victory over the Akkoyunlu state. Initially dominating Tabriz, the empire eventually expanded its control over the whole of Iran. Throughout its existence, the Safavid Empire maintained diplomatic relations and engaged in trade with European nations, while simultaneously contending with the Ottomans in the west and the Uzbeks in the northeast. Culturally, the [[Safavid period|empire]] was a hub of artistic and intellectual activity, with cities like Tabriz, Kazvin, Isfahan, Shiraz, Kashan, and Mashad serving as major centers. The Safavids were renowned for their contributions to book art, literature, ceramics, metalwork, carpet weaving, fabric crafts, and architecture. Distinctive blue-white ceramics, similar to Chinese porcelain, and silk carpets were among their most prized creations. They also specialized in the luster technique used for making wall tiles.^[*Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, Istanbul*] ![[Kashkul.jpg|700]] *Safavid Kashul, early 17th century. Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, Istanbul.*