Explaining and Analyzing Population Status and the Impact of Agriculture on it in the Safavid Era

Population size of Iran in Safavid period during the 15th century didn’t exceed 6 million due to continuous wars against Ottomans and Uzbeks, unrest in the interior, and on the other hand, the spread of contagious diseases, especially at the end of century. During the 16th century, after proceeding of Shah Abbas I, the country witnessed a period of inside and outside security, and since the beginning of century, the size of population increased, which is most closely related to the seventies of this century. At this time, the population of Iran was more than 10 million people and the population of Isfahan was 600,000. At this time, the population growth rate was more than productivity, and due to the stagnation of production technology, production was not responsive to this demographic rate. In the final years of the reign of Shah Abbas II, this population growth and droughts caused crises. But, continuous drought and famines in 1670s and pestilence in 1680s decreased the population and population size descended, and in 1710s it became 9 million and then declined. From the time of Shah Abbas I to the end of the 10th century AH/ 1660 AD, agricultural development was consistent with population growth, and although technology and manufacturing tools did not change much, increased in water supply and cultivation continued to increase production. This paper seeks to investigate the demographic changes of the Safavid period in terms of agricultural situation and population barriers, using a descriptive method and based on library information.