| چکیده انگلیسی مقاله |
Abstract During the Ilkhanate period, the endowment tradition expanded, which drew attention to Sufism from both rulers and ordinary people. As a result, many endowments were established, with different segments of the society contributing to the Safavid religious path. Their contribution played a crucial role in stabilizing and developing the social and economic functions of the Tariqa. The present study focuses on investigating the various dimensions of endowments in the Safavid Tariqa from the Ilkhanate to the rise of the Safavid, based on the manuscript of Sarih al-Molk by Abdi Beyg Shirazi (Deceased 977 AH). By examining the information related to the entrants, endowments, and incomes, it is shown that a coherent and extensive economic network was planned to attract financial aid, along with the expansion of the spiritual influence of the Tariqa. This network was organized to improve the economic power of the Tariqa through the volume of endowment revenues. Additionally, by stabilizing and developing endowments and providing social services, the Safavid elders aimed to strengthen the status of influential people in the political arena and make a double effort to gain power. Keywords: Ilkhanate, Sheikh Safi al-Din, Safavid Tariqa, Ṣariḥ al-Molk, Abdi Beyg Shirazi, Waqf. Introduction The practice of Waqf has been an important source of financing for Islamic civilization for many years. Despite facing challenges throughout history, it has remained of great interest to both people and rulers. The Mongol invasion caused much destruction, including many endowments, but the tradition of endowment was revived during the Ilkhanate period, thanks to the influence of competent Iranian ministers and the conversion of some Ilkhanate to Islam. Concurrently, Sufism became an important religious and social movement. Financing the costs of Khanqah and the Sufi Organization was a serious need, and Waqf fulfilled this need as a continuous financial resource. Historical documents reveal that Sheikh Safi's Safavid way gained spiritual power with the backing of Waqf, and its economic power reached its peak during the reign of Sheikh Sadr al-Din. Finally, by strengthening the power of the Safavid government, Waqf played a significant role in the growth and prosperity of Islamic civilization (Yajama, 2022, p. 168). In this regard, this study investigates the various dimensions of endowments in the Safavid Tariqa from the Ilkhanids to the rise of the Safavids according to the manuscript of' Abdi Beyg Shirazi’s Sarih al-Molk. Materials and Methods The tomb documents of Sheikh Safi are a valuable source of information about the society and daily life of the people of northwestern Iran between the 5th and 10th centuries AH. They serve as an essential source for research activities (Sheikh al-Hokamayi, 2009). One of the most important documents, called Sarih al-Molk, was commissioned by Shah Tahmasp I (930-980 AH) in the 10th century and written by Abdi Beg Shirazi. This book provides unique insights into the Safavid family's background, assets, relations with rulers, the economic situation of the people, beliefs, and the functions of the endowments. It is a fascinating read for Iranians, Japanese, and anyone interested in the history of Iran. This text provides information about the society and daily life of people in northwestern Iran between the 5th and 10th centuries AH. This study is based on a descriptive-analytical method and documentary analysis. The researchers extracted 727 cases of endowment made during the period from 683 to 903 AH, including 304 (42%) cases in the first letter, 249 (34%) in the second letter, 67 (9%) cases in the treatise of princes' rivalry, and 107 (15%) cases of endowment from the end row. These cases, with 35 attributes, were recorded in a table for analysis, using the microfilms of 1655 and 1685 of the Central Library of Tehran University. Research Findings After the establishment of the Ilkhanid government, the tradition of endowment was revived, especially during the reign of Ghazan Khan (694-703 AH). The rulers used endowments to gain support and popularity from Sufi elders who played a vital role in Iranian society. They also allocated financial resources, and salaries and endowed many lands of "Injü" (Mongol word for the Royal estates) that were under the control of the Ilkhanate. The Sufi elders showed interest in the ruling class and landowners to facilitate the continuity of endowments and charitable affairs. With the Ilkhanate's economic reforms, people's livelihoods improved, and the financial support of Sheikh Safi's supporters and disciples increased. Among the various endowments are villages, shops, caravanserais, rabat, mills, baths, gardens, mines, etc. Azerbaijan and other states also adopted these endowments. The Sheikhs' successors continued to utilize these endowments to stabilize and develop them, increasing their economic potential for social services and the goals of Tariqa. Discussion of Results and Conclusions Sheikh Safi gathered many disciples and supporters from various social and geographical backgrounds within the Ilkhanate government and local authorities. The followers belonged to different classes, including sultans, rulers, merchants, guilds, and people with different economic capacities, all of whom contributed to the development of Tariqa endowments. The Safavid family played an important role in strengthening the economic power of Tariqa by establishing endowments, directing revenues and vows towards the purchase of real estate, and providing social services to the people of the region and pilgrims. The Safavid sheikhs established a cultural network to expand their influence and an economic network to support the activities of Tariqa through the religious stream of endowments. After the path was transformed, the sheikhs used the income generated from endowments to enter the political arena and pave the way for gaining power. |