Qizilbash campaigns in Eastern Georgia in the middle of the 16th century

Abstract

The article examines the Qizilbash campaigns (1541, 1547, 1551, 1554) under Shah Tahmasp I (r. 1524-1576), revealing the dynamics of relations between Iran and Eastern Georgia in the first half of the 16th century. The Safavid dynasty (1501-1722) continued the expansionist policy of its predecessors and declared its rights to the South Caucasus. The main support of the Safavids became the nomadic Turkoman tribes - followers of the Sufi order of Sheikh Safi ad-Din (1252-1334), known as Qizilbash (red heads): Shamlu, Rumlu, Ustajlu, Tekelyu, Afshar, Qajar, Zulqadar, Turkeman. The founder of the dynasty, Shah Ismail I (r. 1501-1524), initiated efforts to conquer Eastern Georgia, taking advantage of internal divisions within Georgian kingdoms. Despite their weakened state due to internal conflicts, these kingdoms did not abandon attempts at unification. Maneuvering between the rival Safavids and Ottomans in the region, the Georgian rulers made forced concessions, trying to prevent devastating and bloody invasions from both sides.

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