The Identity-Making Function of Shiism in the Safavid Era

Religion (Mazhab) is considered as one of the key factors in the creation of national identity and it has undertaken a great role in the solidarity of nations from long times ago. This function was more widespread in the pre-modern eras and it has been a vital mainstay together with the government and political institutions. In Iran and from the ancient era up to the present time, there has been a very close association between society and religion and between its basics and elements; and Iran’s integrity and national independence has often been reliant upon religious unity and integration of religion and government. This paper tries to explain the identity-making functions of Shia' as a mainstay of national identity. The recognition of Shia' and establishment of national government are considered as two neglected pillars of national identity which were completed by the Safavid revolution. In the process of the emergence of national identity, Shiism has undertaken six important roles including; creating religious unity in the country; acting as a similarity-making and distinguishing system; religious nationalism; preservation of independence; establishment of a legal system, and also establishment of a legitimizing system for Safavid regime.