Converting Persia

How did Iran transform from a predominantly Sunni region into a Shia-majority country, and what were the key religious, political, and social factors behind this historic change?

About the Book

Converting Persia: Religion and Power in the Safavid Empire by Rula Jurdi Abisaab examines the process by which Iran became a Twelver Shia country during the Safavid period (1501–1722). The book analyzes how the Safavid rulers used state power, religious scholars, and institutional changes to promote and establish Twelver Shi‘ism as the official religion of Iran. It explores the complex relationship between religion and political authority during this transformative era.

What You Will Discover

The religious transformation of Iran from Sunni to Shia under the Safavids
The role of state power and religious institutions in spreading Twelver Shi‘ism
The contributions and challenges faced by Shia scholars during this period
The political motivations behind the Safavid religious policies
The social and cultural impact of the conversion process
The long-term consequences of this religious shift for Iranian identity
A detailed historical analysis of one of the most important religious transformations in Islamic history

About the Author

Rula Jurdi Abisaab is a historian specializing in Safavid Iran and Shia religious history.

Who Is This Book For?

This book is essential for students and researchers of Iranian history, Shia Islam, and the relationship between religion and state power.