Sanctity and Power in Safawid Period (The Holy Status of Safawid Kings)

Safawid kings enjoyed a sacred-like position. They were said to be infallible and enjoyed God-given knowledge, specific imperial fortune, ability to do miracles and predict future events. King’s house was considered to be sacred and people would sit there for some times. Anything that he touched would become sacred and would get the power to heal patients. Due to such a position, the king would let himself ignore the religious precepts and do wrong deeds. People were afraid of the king’s curse. Manipulating the king’s orders and drawing his face were forbidden. Such beliefs originated from Qezelbāshs’ extremist beliefs and the king’s status among ordinary people. The present research studies the factors, results and signs of the sanctity of Safawid kings and uses a descriptive- analytical method based on original sources to prove that Safawid kings enjoyed a sacred-like status different from their predecessors.