Latest / The Safavid Empire: Persia's Return to Greatness — Fexingo History
Safavid Women Behind the Scenes: Power, Trade, and Patronage
When we think of Safavid power, we picture Shah Abbas I in his palace or Qizilbash warriors on horseback. But what about the women who ran the imperial workshops, financed caravanserais, and shaped the culture of Isfahan? This episode looks at the hidden influence of Safavid royal women — from Shah Tahmasp's sister, who commissioned some of the finest illuminated manuscripts, to the merchant widows who controlled silk and textile networks. We explore how elite women used waqf endowments to build mosques, schools, and bridges, leaving a visible mark on the urban landscape. Drawing on travel…
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