The role and status of first minister during 11th AH/17th AD

The post of first minister during two and half centuries in the Safavid era experienced different phases. At the beginning of the dynasty the deputy (Vakil) had a vast power after the king. Gradually the deputy lost the power and, since the time of Abbas I, the head of bureaucracy or first minister, as was usual in Iran, was the most powerful after the king. During the second half of the Safavid era, the king's being young and inexperienced increased the power of the first minister. The Safavid's kings depended strongly on their first ministers for their advice and decisions. The increasing power of the first minister continued till the post turned into the most prominent post in Safi I time. This post was also called 'the trustee in government' (Etemadole). The present study investigates the development of this post and its changes during the 11th century.