Qizilbash

The Qizilbash were a group of militant Shia Muslims in Persia (Iran) during the 15th and 16th centuries, known for their distinctive red headgear. They played a key role in the rise of the Safavid Empire, supporting its founder, Shah Ismail I, and helping establish Twelver Shia Islam as the official religion of Iran. Originating from various Turkic and Kurdish tribes, the Qizilbash were both warriors and religious followers, blending military loyalty with spiritual devotion. Their presence helped shape Iran’s religious and political landscape, and their influence persisted for centuries in Iranian history.