The Role of Guilanin the Process of Seeking Power by First Shah Ismaeilfor Claiming the Throne

The process of power-seeking by a dynasty founder is crucially significant in studying the process of formation of a government. The present study aims to investigate the role of Guilan in the process of power formation by First Shah IsmaeilSafavi in his claiming the throne; a significant and innovative issue which has received scarce attention byresearchers. Geographical and religious conditions of Guilan, the presence of Zahediya sect, and the role of the local governor, Al-e-Kia Mirza Ali Karkia, and the seniors of Talesh were among the influential factors. The research findings indicate that the natural condition of Guilan played an important role in survival and political activities of IsmaeilMirza and his sect. Moreover, the presence of Zahediya sect, the attempts made by Mirza Ali Kia and heads of the Talesh region in support ofIsmaeilMirza and his companions against White Sheep Turkomanswere influential in developing his political ends and conquering Ardebil and Tabriz.