The approach and narration of historians of the Afshariya period towards the Safavid dynasty

Official historians are often part of the government and their writings reflect the views and policies of the ruling system. They usually try to present a narrative that is consistent with the government’s thinking and attitudes. However, as far as the official historians of Afshariya are concerned, the matter was complicated by the political and religious complications, the fall of the Safavid dynasty and the rule of Mahmud, and the developments that led to the rise of Nader Shah. Moreover, Nader Shah pursued particular and different approaches against the Safavids. Therefore, Afshari historians found themselves in a complicated situation. Therefore, it was difficult for these historians to tell the history of the Safavids and their fall. The problem is, under such difficult circumstances, how did the Afsharian historians portray Nader's relationship with the Safavid legacy and his clashes with the Safavids? The author tries to evaluate the process and method of narration of Afshariya historians about the Safavids in those special and complex conditions with a descriptive and analytical method. The article finally comes to the conclusion that Afshari historians inevitably viewed the Safavid period with suspicion and criticism. Because Nader, who was somewhat coincidentally associated with the heir of the Safavid dynasty, Shah Tahmasb II, was always thinking of dismissing him and whenever there was a suitable opportunity, he challenged the Safavids. Therefore, Afshari historians confirmed Nadir's attitude. They insisted on the correctness of his action against the Safavids and often condemned and blamed the Safavid rule.