The Legal System of the Safavid State and its Study in Historiography

Abstract

The legal system of the Safavid state, which existed between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries, represents a complex structure shaped by religious doctrine, political authority, and social needs. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the formation and development of the Safavid legal system, focusing on its sources, institutions, and practical application. Particular attention is paid to the establishment of Shi‘ism as the state religion and the implementation of Ja‘fari jurisprudence as the primary legal framework. The study examines various areas of legal regulation, including family law, property relations, criminal justice, administrative governance, and fiscal policies. While Islamic Sharia law formed the core of the legal system, royal decrees, state regulations, and customary law also played significant roles. The judicial system was primarily administered by qadis, yet ultimate legal authority rested with the Shah, who functioned as both the supreme ruler and the highest judicial authority. The article also explores the ideological function of law and its role in consolidating centralized power within the Safavid state.