The Immigration of Iranian Craftsmen to Ottoman in the Timurid Period and Early Safavids

Timur gathered scholars and craftsmen from Iran, Anatolia, Shamat and Iraq during his conquests and transferred them to Samarkand. Thus Samarkand and Herat became the scientific and artistic centers in Timurid period and many scientists and craftsmen get together in these cities. With expansion of cultural relations between Iran and Anatolia, some scientists and craftsmen emigrate to Ottoman. Ottoman Sultan's patronage of Iranian immigrants and the anarchy in domestic situation of Iran after Ulug Beg which caused the lack of material and spiritual patronage of Timurid rulers of scientists and craftsmen had important role in this emigration. Although this emigration had been already started from Iran to Anatolia, this problem continued in Timurid period quickly. In this paper, we try to investigate the trends of emigration of Iranian craftsmen and their roles in transferring from Timurid culture and art to Ottoman. Finally, the effects of these emigrants will be considered in development and promotion of Istanbul’s art.