The Gap between Historical Realities and Records in Expressing the Reasons for the Conflict between Sultan Ya qub Aq-Quyunlu and Sheikh Heydar Safavi

The main thesis of this study is that records cannot be always considered as the exclusive source for understanding historical facts. As for the causes of conflict between Sultan Ya’qub Aq-Quyunlu and Heydar Safavi، historical records do not clarify the exact cause of this tension even after years of peace and friendship between the Aq-Quyunlus and the Safavids. Methodology/Approach: In this study a historical analytical method based on records and library resources was used to make this determination. Findings/ According to our comprehensive evaluation، in his letter to Sultan Bayezid Osmani، Sultan Ya’qub Aq-Quyunlu declared religious heresy as the source of dispute between Aq-Quyunlus and Safavids. However، evaluating and summarizing historical literature indicates that the dissensions may have been caused by considerations other than religious conflicts، including economic and security-military issues.