Reviewing the Development of Specialised Skills in the Iranian Army in the Use of Arms

This article begins by reviewing the reasons for providing weapons for military me in Iran. It explains that the increasing use of firearms by the military led to the development of specialized skills among the military. The growing power and effectiveness of the army forced Shah Abbas to make changes in its structure so as to maintain his overall control. A number of specialized military skills are reviewed according to two records of decrees issued by Shah Soltan Hossein, the last Safavid king. Finally, it is concluded that the army was an important tool for the kings of Iran, by which they could have threatened their enemies and prolonged their own government.