Political Fragmentation in Azerbaijan at the End of the 15th Century: The Genesis of the Safavid State

Abstract

This article analyzes the emergence of the Safavid state within the context of the profound political, social, and ideological transformations that took place in the South Caucasus and the Iranian Plateau at the end of the fifteenth century. The study examines the systemic crisis of the Aq Qoyunlu state, the decline of the tribal confederation model, and the interrelation of these processes with the transformation of the Safaviyya order from a mystical-religious community into a military-theocratic organization. Particular emphasis is placed on the activities of Shaykh Junayd and Shaykh Haydar, the formation of the Qizilbash confederation, and the decisive role of the Anatolian factor. The campaigns of Ismail I between 1499 and 1503, the battles of Sharur and Hamadan, as well as the conquest of Tabriz in 1501, are presented as key stages in the legitimation of Safavid rule and the consolidation of imperial power. The study demonstrates that the establishment of the Safavid state was not merely the result of charismatic leadership, but rather the outcome of the complex interaction of political fragmentation, social mobilization, and ideological synthesis. The article substantiates that the political, religious, and cultural legacy of the Safavids played a decisive role in shaping the long-term ethno-confessional identity of Azerbaijan and Iran.