List of Safavid grand viziers
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The grand vizier (vazir-e azam) was one of the highest ranking offices in Safavid Iran.[1] From at least the tenure of Mirza Shah Hossein, they held the honorific title of E'temad od-Dowleh.[2]
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| Grand vizier of Safavid Iran | |
|---|---|
| |
| Appointer | The Shah |
| Formation | 1501 |
| First holder | Amir Zakariya |
| Final holder | Rajab-Ali Khan |
| Abolished | 8 March 1736 |
During the 16th century, the authority of the grand vizier was a reflection of the shah’s own authority.[3] Grand viziers held less prominence during the early Safavid period, as shahs like Shah Tahmasp I (r. 1524–1576) and Shah Abbas I (r. 1587–1629) were more engaged in the administration. The Turkmen Qizilbash leaders also held a level of influence that limited the authority of the grand vizier during the majority of the 16th century.[4]
From the 16th late century onward, other prominent members of the court limited the power of the grand vizier, such as the steward of the royal court (nazer-e boyutat), the secretary-general of the royal secretariat (nazer-e daftar-e homayun), the treasurer-general (mostowfi ol-mamalek), the military commanders, or by one or more of the shah's favorites, as well as members of the harem. Nevertheless, the shah's patronage could elevate the grand vizier above all opposition, ensuring his command over the court uncontested.[4]
The power of the grand vizier increased substantially in the 17th century as a result of the diminished authority of the Qizilbash leaders and the more fragmented and scattered makeup of the ruling class (Tajiks, eunuchs, royal women, gholams, and Qizilbash).[3] From 1669 onwards, the grand vizier was usually from a tribal (Kurdish or Turkmen) background. With their entry to the office, the Qizilbash thus regained some of their lost authority.[5] This entry to a Tajik-only office was due to the grand vizier's rise to prominence as the undisputed head of the central bureaucracy. The Qizilbash had by now accepted to share authority with the gholams and had been integrated into the Safavid bureaucracy.[5] It also demonstrated how the Turkmens successfully assimilated into Persian administrative culture. Aside from their various talents, grand viziers were primarily selected for their administrative skills.[6]