The officialization of Twelver Imam Shi’ism in Iran

The Safavid dynasty came to power with the efforts of Shah Ismail and declared Shiism as the country's official religion. Therefore, this article aimed to investigate the officialization of Twelver Imam Shiism in Iran.

The current research is a descriptive, historical research. The library and documentary method did data collection. In this way, the historical investigation of the officialization of Twelve Imam Shiism in Iran was done by using library sources and articles from reliable scientific databases.

The findings section discussed how Shah Ismail I came to power and the Iranians' view of Shiism. Also, the effects of the officialization of Twelve Imam Shiism on the people and foreign relations with the neighbors were mentioned.

Shah Ismail Safavi was able to re-strengthen Iranian identity by establishing a national-religious government. The combination of Shah Ismail's conquests, the establishment of a government, and the Shia religion's formalization played an important role in its strength and stability. In addition, the religious attitude of Shah Ismail I, the interaction of the kings with the Shiite scholars, the translation of Arabic texts into Persian, the choice of different titles by the kings, the harsh treatment of the Sunnis, the veneration of the infallible imams, the spiritual connection with the infallible imams and the self-attribution of the kings to them can be He knew the factors of strengthening the foundations of Shiism and increasing people's tendency towards this religion.