The Achievements of the Imamiah Education System during the Safavid Period

After its formation in the early 16th century (10th century A.H.), the Safavid Shia government needed an organized, efficient, and capable system of education to consolidate its rule and to express the principles of its legitimate authority. This system could also help the government to meet its political and religious goals in the geographical context of Iran. This education system in the Safavid government was established based on the religious teachings of Twelver Shias and had many scientific, educational, and civil achievements leading to a glorious period during the advancement of Islamic culture and civilization. The main purpose of this research is to study the achievements of the Imamiah education system in the Safavid period. It uses a descriptive-analytical method and draws on the original sources of the Safavid era. The findings showed that the education system based on the teachings of the Shia Imamiah had an influential role in the advancement and expansion of different sciences. It also helped promoting and confirming the Shia thoughts in the society of that time.