A Reappraisal of the Place of the Doctrine (Mađhab) in the Relations between the Safavid State and the Sunnis of Kurdistan (907-996 A.H/1501-1588)

The Safavid state’s policy had multiple approaches. This very feature makes it difficult to treat that state as a Shiite one with exclusively ideological functions. The multiple-criteria approach was exploited by the Safavids for the execution of their policies in both internal and foreign affairs as well. As the primary sources affirm, alongside the implementation of the Shiite doctrine (mađhab), there were also cases in their policies in which expediency took preference over the principles and realism took priority to the idealism. The article ahead, based on this attitude of the Safavids, examines the relations between the state and the Sunnis of Kurdistan. The findings show that throughout the 10thA.H/16th century, for the Safavid policy towards the Sunnis of Kurdistan, the mentioned main lines shaped the foundation for both the main framework and practice. The Safavid kings, rather than adopting strictly ideological policies and approaches, formulated the relations with the Sunni Kurds on the basis of political efficiency and interests, retaining Kurdish local governors (amīrs) within the realm of Iran, while preserving their own status in Kurdistan. Reciprocally, the structure of local power within Kurdistan itself had a dual functional role; it could serve and, at the same time, endanger interests of the Safavids. The performance of the existing forces within this structure suggests that the sectarian affiliation had no pivotal place in action and reaction on the part of the Sunni Kurds towards the Safavid state.