Qizilbash

The Qizilbash were a confederation of Turkic tribal groups whose warriors formed the early Safavid military elite. Their name, meaning “red heads,” came from the distinctive red headgear associated with their allegiance to the Safavid order.

Safavid dynasty: An Iranian dynasty that ruled from 1501 to 1736 and established Twelver Shiism as the state religion. Qizilbash warriors helped Shah Ismail I establish Safavid rule.
Safaviyya: A Sufi order founded in Ardabil that developed into the religious and political movement behind the Safavid dynasty. Qizilbash tribal groups became the order’s militant followers.
Ustajlu: A Turkic tribal group among the Qizilbash that held military and political influence under the Safavids. Its chiefs were prominent participants in early Safavid campaigns and factional politics.
Safavid Iran: The Iranian state ruled by the Safavid dynasty from 1501 to 1736. Qizilbash power helped establish the dynasty and remained central to its early politics.
Shah Ismail I: The founder of the Safavid dynasty, who ruled Iran from 1501 to 1524. He united Qizilbash followers and led their conquests that founded the dynasty.
Safavid conversion of Iran to Shia Islam: The state-led establishment of Twelver Shiism in Iran under the Safavid dynasty, beginning in the sixteenth century. Qizilbash allegiance helped the Safavid rulers impose and defend the new state religion.
Shamlu: A major Turkic tribal group in the Qizilbash confederation and the Safavid state. Shamlu leaders supplied influential commanders and governors.
Ottoman–Safavid relations: The political and military rivalry between the Ottoman and Safavid empires from the sixteenth century onward. Qizilbash armies fought in the Safavid state’s recurring wars with the Ottomans.
Safavid military: The armed forces of the Safavid state, including tribal cavalry, standing troops, and firearms units. The Qizilbash formed its dominant early military force.
Twelver Shiism: The largest branch of Shia Islam, which recognizes twelve divinely designated Imams. The Qizilbash supported the Safavid movement that made this branch Iran’s state religion.

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