Shah Safi I: The Safavid King Who Killed His Own Court

The Safavid Empire: Persia's Return to Greatness — Fexingo History · May 23, 2026 · 5m

Shah Safi I inherited a thriving Safavid Empire from his grandfather Shah Abbas I, but within a decade he had executed nearly every capable general, administrator, and prince in the realm. This episode dives into the reign of Safi (r. 1629–1642), whose paranoia and brutality unraveled Abbas's achievements. We follow his rise amid court intrigue—his father and brothers were murdered to clear his path—and his systematic purge of the Qizilbash and gholam elites. Key figures include the ruthless grand vizier Mirza Taqi Entezam, who orchestrated many killings, and the military commanders Rostam…