Hajj and Ziārah Research Journal No. 2 Autumn & Winter 2016 Analysis of the Influencing Factors on the Relationship of the Safavids and the Nobles of Hijaz

Concurrent with the Safavid Empire in Iran (907-1148 A.H), the nobles (Hasani and Husayni Sayyids) ruled Hijaz since centuries. The relationship of the Safavids with Hijaz was inevitable due to its being a location of religious and spiritual significance and the place of Haj and due to the relative independence of the nobles. Inspite of the presence of opportunities to expand these relations, like common religious perspectives of the Safavids with a section of the nobles’ family, and inspite of the Safavids’ efforts in widening their relations, their relations were not very broad which can be influenced by the political and military developments, tension and rivalry between the Ottoman and Safavid, and Ottoman sovereignty over shrines. The disputed connections between the Safavids and the nobles ruling Hijaz and the factors influencing them during this era are researched upon. It is proposed that the financial dependence of the nobles of Hijaz on the ‘Uthmani regime and the strength of this nation in comparison to that of the Safavids that could protect their political position and continue the rule of the nobles, made their politics aligned with the Ottomans. The aim of this research is to study the political relations of the Safavids with the nobles ruling Hijaz and the timeline of their connections. In the view of this paper, the most important external influence was the ‘Uthamni regime who also claimed caliphate and the most important internal influence for the nobles was their fulfilling of material needs receiving of assistance from powerful states.