The Role of Qizilbāsh Military in the Wars, Establishment and Consolidation of the Government of Safavid Shāh Ismāil I

The formation of political systems has always been linked to the presence and saber-rattling of the military in the field of battle. The capabilities of the military and their spirit of valor in supporting the ruling families established political power in the ruling family and stabilized the political system, and then by neutralizing external threats (enemy attacks) and internal rebellions, they further helped the stabilization and continuity of the political power. At the beginning of the Safavid government, the military played an effective role in both the establishment of the political system and bringing Ismail to power, as well as in the consolidation and continuation of his power and government, and were considered one of the main actors. This research, by posing the question of the role of Qizilbāsh military in the management of wars and the establishment and stabilization of the government of Safavid Shāh Ismāil I (1501-1524), aimed to investigate the role of this tribal force in wars, and in the establishment and consolidation of the rule of the first king of the Safavid dynasty using a descriptive-analytical method. The findings of the research shows that Qizilbāsh forces, with their military advice, effective presence in wars against internal rulers and neighboring powers, and suppression of opposition movements, were one of the main pillars of establishing, stabilizing, and perpetuating Shāh Ismāil I's power.