What best describes the role of Safavid shahs in Iran? a They were political rulers only b They were religious leaders only c They served as both pollitical rulers and Shiite religious leaders d They served as both political rulers and Sunni religious leaders

Option: They were political rulers only.    

Explanation:

Safavid was the ruling dynasty of Iran who establishes Twelver Shiʿism as the state religion. The Safavid Dynasty rise at the beginning of the 16th century. Shāh Abbās took the Safavid Empire to the height. He was capable of starting a central government established by administrators to run the empire. He continued to extend his army by using the latest weapons (musketeers, artillerymen). He also encouraged the growth of trade and industry and decreased taxes on farmers and herders.