You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly. You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
alternatehistory.com
The Safavid Empire ruled Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and parts of several other countries including Syria and Turkey in the 18th century.
In our timeline, this magnificent Persian empire sadly passed away after the death of Nader Shah in 1747. But what if it survived?
Unlike the rival Ottoman Empire, the Persian Empire was Shia. Importantly, it did not recognise the authority of the Sunni caliph in Istanbul, whose overthrow in the 1920s created the conditions for ISIS' so-called caliphate in more modern times.
The main rivals of Persia historically were Russia and the Turks. But Russia was also an enemy of the Ottoman Empire.
What would the world be like today if the Safavid Empire still existed? And how would modern history be different?