How the People of Gilān Converted from Zaidi to Ithna- Ashari Shi ite Faith, in the Safavid Era

Natural geographical features of Gilān have impeded the invaders throughout history. In the second half of the second century Hijri, the Shi’ite opponents of the Abbasids came to Gilān and spread their faith. The Zaidi Shi’a established the Āle Kiā dynasty, which persecuted the followers of other denominations. When the Safavids came to power in Iran, they forced the people of Gilān to convert to the Ithna-‘Ashari faith. In this article, religious beliefs of the people and the way that they converted by the Safavids are considered.