Historical Function of Safavid King's Decrees about the Armenians

Many documents and correspondence have been written and issued during Safavid period. In this regards, the governmental decrees that have been issued about the Armenians which are well-known as Persian decrees of the Matenadaran, could be useful for researchers of Safavid history in many aspects. Although these decrees have been issued on how to manage the Armenian minority in Iran, but they cover several dimensions of the Armenians’ life and show the orientations of Safavid in various aspects. Undoubtedly the study of these decrees and documents is necessary to provide a more accurate and less incomplete picture of the prevailing political - social spirit of the society during Safavid era. In addition, it will pave the way to gain a more transparent observation on religious policy of Safavid about its non Muslim subjects.