Safavid
/ˈsæfəvɪd/
adjective/noun
Origin
Arabic
Ṣafī al-Dīn al-Ardabilī — Purity of the faith (referring to the eponymous ancestor)
Overview
Meaning Now
- Relating to the Safavid dynasty, the ruling house of Iran from 1501 to 1736.
- A member of the Safavid dynasty or a supporter of their rule.
Literal older meaning
Follower of the Safaviyya (Safi order)
Language path
Arabic → Persian → English
Earliest form
Ṣafavī
Earliest period
16th century
Journey
The Safavid dynasty established Twelver Shi'ism as the state religion of Iran. Their rise is marked by the unification of the Iranian plateau after centuries of fragmentation following the Mongol invasions.
Evolution
- 14th century
Ṣafavīya
“The Sufi order founded by Safi al-Din.”
Originating as a Sunni Sufi order in Ardabil.
- 16th century
Ṣafavī
“Pertaining to the house established by Ismail I.”
Transition from a religious movement to a political dynasty.
- 17th century
Safavid
“English adoption of the Persian term.”
Connections
Word parts
Safi
root
Pure/Clear (name of the founder)
-avid
suffix
Adjectival suffix denoting belonging or association
Related across languages
Persian
Safavī
Safavid
Turkish
Safevi
Safavid
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Related to Safavid
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.