Safavid architecture

Safavid architectural patronage was uniquely focused on the expansion and refurbishment of Shi‘i shrines, particularly around the burial site of Sheykh Safi al-Din in Ardabil, rather than grand congregational mosques. Unlike predecessors, Safavid shahs were interred within sanctified precincts, often near revered figures, with Shah Esma‘il being the sole exception—buried in a tomb tower adjacent to his ancestor, commissioned by his wife Tajlu Khanom between 1524 and 1529. This shift reflects the dynasty's complex relationship with authority, as royal investment in mosques was limited due to challenges in legitimizing their rule. The study examines these patterns through historical analysis of architectural projects, highlighting Safavid preferences for shrine expansions over mosque construction.

Babaie, S. (2021). Safavid architecture. The Safavid World, 507–536. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003170822-31