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{{Infobox former country
[[File:نادر شاه.jpg|thumb]] [[File:Kheibar pass 001.jpg|thumb]] [[File:Karnal battle based on Axworthy's interpretation.jpg|thumb]] [[File:A Nawab of Awadh, Lucknow, India. 19th century.jpg|thumb]] Afsharid Iran
| native_name = افشاریان
| conventional_long_name = Afsharid Empire
| common_name = Afsharid Iran
| status = Empire
| year_start = 1736
| year_end = 1796
| event_start = Coronation of Nader Shah
| event_end = Death of Shahrokh Shah
| p1 = Safavid dynasty
| flag_p1 = Safavid Flag.svg
| s1 = Zand dynasty
| flag_s1 = Zand Flag.svg
| s2 = Qajar dynasty
| flag_s2 = Qajar Flag.svg
| image_flag = Afsharid Flag.svg
| image_map = Afsharid Empire at its greatest extent.png
| capital = Mashhad
| government_type = Absolute monarchy
| title_leader = Shah
| leader1 = Nader Shah
| year_leader1 = 1736–1747
}}


The '''Afsharid Empire''' was a Persian dynasty that ruled over Iran and parts of the surrounding regions from 1736 to 1796. It was founded by [[Nader Shah]], a military genius and one of the most powerful rulers in Iranian history. The Afsharid dynasty is known for its military conquests, administrative reforms, and the brief restoration of Iranian power in the region.
The Afsharid dynasty was a Persian dynasty that ruled over Iran and parts of the surrounding regions from 1736 to 1796. It was founded by Nader Shah, a military genius and one of the most powerful rulers in Iranian history. The dynasty is known for its military conquests, administrative reforms, and the brief restoration of Iranian power in the region.


== Origins ==
== History ==
The Afsharid dynasty was established by Nader Shah, who was born into the Afshar tribe, a branch of the [[Turkic peoples]] in the region of Khorasan. Nader rose to prominence during the decline of the [[Safavid dynasty]], which had been weakened by internal strife and external invasions, particularly by the [[Hotaki dynasty]] and the [[Ottoman Empire]].


== Rise to Power ==
=== Rise of Nader Shah ===
Nader Shah initially served as a military leader under the Safavid ruler [[Tahmasp II]]. He played a crucial role in expelling the Afghan invaders and restoring Tahmasp II to the throne. However, Nader's ambitions soon led him to depose Tahmasp II and place the young Abbas III on the throne as a puppet ruler. In 1736, Nader declared himself Shah of Iran, marking the beginning of the Afsharid dynasty.
Nader Shah, originally a member of the Afshar tribe, rose to prominence during the chaotic period following the fall of the Safavid dynasty. He initially served as a military leader under the Safavid ruler Tahmasp II. Nader's military prowess and strategic acumen allowed him to defeat various internal and external threats, including the Ottomans and the Russians, who had taken advantage of the Safavid decline.


== Military Campaigns ==
In 1736, Nader Shah deposed the last Safavid ruler, Abbas III, and declared himself Shah of Iran, thus founding the Afsharid dynasty. His coronation marked the beginning of a new era in Iranian history.
Nader Shah is best known for his military campaigns, which expanded the borders of Iran to their greatest extent since the [[Sassanian Empire]]. His most famous campaign was the invasion of the [[Mughal Empire]], where he captured the city of [[Delhi]] in 1739. This campaign resulted in the acquisition of immense wealth, including the legendary [[Peacock Throne]] and the [[Koh-i-Noor]] diamond.


Nader also conducted successful campaigns against the [[Ottoman Empire]], the [[Russian Empire]], and various Central Asian khanates. His military prowess earned him the nickname "the Second Alexander" or "the Napoleon of Persia."
=== Military Campaigns ===
Nader Shah is best known for his military campaigns, which expanded the borders of Iran to their greatest extent since the Sassanian Empire. His most famous campaign was the invasion of the Mughal Empire in 1739, where he captured Delhi and took the legendary Peacock Throne and the Koh-i-Noor diamond.


== Administration and Reforms ==
Nader's campaigns also included successful operations against the Ottomans, the Uzbeks, and the Russians. His military reforms and the establishment of a powerful standing army were key to his successes.
Nader Shah implemented several administrative reforms to consolidate his power and stabilize the empire. He reorganized the military, introducing a system of conscription and modernizing the army with artillery and firearms. Nader also sought to reduce the influence of the [[Shi'a clergy]] by promoting a more inclusive form of Islam that recognized the legitimacy of the first three caliphs, in an attempt to reconcile with the Sunni Ottoman Empire.


== Decline and Fall ==
=== Administration and Reforms ===
Despite his successes, Nader Shah's later years were marked by paranoia and tyranny. His harsh rule and heavy taxation led to widespread discontent and rebellion. In 1747, Nader was assassinated by his own officers, leading to a power struggle among his successors.
Nader Shah implemented several administrative reforms to consolidate his power and stabilize the empire. He reorganized the tax system, reduced the power of the tribal chieftains, and attempted to create a more centralized state. Nader also sought to promote religious tolerance, particularly between the Sunni and Shia sects, to reduce sectarian conflict within his empire.


The Afsharid dynasty continued to rule in a diminished capacity under Nader's grandson, [[Shahrokh Shah]], but it was plagued by internal conflicts and external threats. The dynasty eventually fell to the [[Zand dynasty]] and later the [[Qajar dynasty]], which established control over Iran by the end of the 18th century.
=== Decline and Fall ===
Despite his successes, Nader Shah's later years were marked by increasing despotism and paranoia. His harsh rule and heavy taxation led to widespread discontent. In 1747, Nader Shah was assassinated by his own guards, leading to a rapid decline of the Afsharid dynasty.
 
After Nader's death, the empire fragmented as various factions and regional powers vied for control. The Afsharid dynasty continued to exist in a diminished form until 1796, when it was finally overthrown by the Qajar dynasty.


== Legacy ==
== Legacy ==
The Afsharid Empire is remembered for its military achievements and the brief resurgence of Iranian power in the 18th century. Nader Shah's conquests and reforms left a lasting impact on the region, influencing the political and military landscape of Iran and its neighbors.
The Afsharid dynasty, though short-lived, had a significant impact on Iranian history. Nader Shah's military achievements and administrative reforms temporarily restored Iranian power and influence in the region. However, his failure to establish a stable succession and the subsequent decline of the dynasty highlighted the challenges of maintaining a centralized state in a diverse and often fractious region.


== See also ==
== Also see ==
* [[Nader Shah]]
* [[Nader Shah]]
* [[Safavid dynasty]]
* [[Safavid dynasty]]
* [[Zand dynasty]]
* [[Qajar dynasty]]
* [[Qajar dynasty]]
* [[Peacock Throne]]
* [[Koh-i-Noor diamond]]


== References ==
{{Iranian history}}
* Axworthy, Michael. ''The Sword of Persia: Nader Shah, from Tribal Warrior to Conquering Tyrant''. I.B. Tauris, 2006.
{{Afsharid dynasty}}
* Lockhart, Laurence. ''Nadir Shah: A Critical Study Based Mainly Upon Contemporary Sources''. Luzac & Company, 1938.
 
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Afsharid dynasty| ]]
[[Category:Afsharid dynasty]]
[[Category:Former countries in the Middle East]]
[[Category:History of Iran]]
[[Category:18th century in Iran]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1736]]
[[Category:States and territories disestablished in 1796]]

Latest revision as of 15:42, 9 December 2024

Afsharid Iran

The Afsharid dynasty was a Persian dynasty that ruled over Iran and parts of the surrounding regions from 1736 to 1796. It was founded by Nader Shah, a military genius and one of the most powerful rulers in Iranian history. The dynasty is known for its military conquests, administrative reforms, and the brief restoration of Iranian power in the region.

History[edit]

Rise of Nader Shah[edit]

Nader Shah, originally a member of the Afshar tribe, rose to prominence during the chaotic period following the fall of the Safavid dynasty. He initially served as a military leader under the Safavid ruler Tahmasp II. Nader's military prowess and strategic acumen allowed him to defeat various internal and external threats, including the Ottomans and the Russians, who had taken advantage of the Safavid decline.

In 1736, Nader Shah deposed the last Safavid ruler, Abbas III, and declared himself Shah of Iran, thus founding the Afsharid dynasty. His coronation marked the beginning of a new era in Iranian history.

Military Campaigns[edit]

Nader Shah is best known for his military campaigns, which expanded the borders of Iran to their greatest extent since the Sassanian Empire. His most famous campaign was the invasion of the Mughal Empire in 1739, where he captured Delhi and took the legendary Peacock Throne and the Koh-i-Noor diamond.

Nader's campaigns also included successful operations against the Ottomans, the Uzbeks, and the Russians. His military reforms and the establishment of a powerful standing army were key to his successes.

Administration and Reforms[edit]

Nader Shah implemented several administrative reforms to consolidate his power and stabilize the empire. He reorganized the tax system, reduced the power of the tribal chieftains, and attempted to create a more centralized state. Nader also sought to promote religious tolerance, particularly between the Sunni and Shia sects, to reduce sectarian conflict within his empire.

Decline and Fall[edit]

Despite his successes, Nader Shah's later years were marked by increasing despotism and paranoia. His harsh rule and heavy taxation led to widespread discontent. In 1747, Nader Shah was assassinated by his own guards, leading to a rapid decline of the Afsharid dynasty.

After Nader's death, the empire fragmented as various factions and regional powers vied for control. The Afsharid dynasty continued to exist in a diminished form until 1796, when it was finally overthrown by the Qajar dynasty.

Legacy[edit]

The Afsharid dynasty, though short-lived, had a significant impact on Iranian history. Nader Shah's military achievements and administrative reforms temporarily restored Iranian power and influence in the region. However, his failure to establish a stable succession and the subsequent decline of the dynasty highlighted the challenges of maintaining a centralized state in a diverse and often fractious region.

Also see[edit]

Template:Iranian history Template:Afsharid dynasty