Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck
Banned
In early 16th century Iranian shah Ismail I began the process of converting Iran to Shia Islam - the process driven by political reasons.
But what if he choose Catholicism instead|? IMHO it would be a much better choice.
1. Shi'ism was a relatively obscure branch of Islam and was followed by few people. By contrast, by 16th century Middle East still had sizable Christian populations in Iraq and the Levant and these populations could become loyal to new Persian overlords.
2. Iran could forge alliances with major European powers - Austria, HRE, Spain, maybe even Russia later on. Iran would get access to European technology easier.
3. Easier exchange of ideas - there would be Persians travelling to Europe to study at European universities and Europeans migrating to live in Iran.
But what if he choose Catholicism instead|? IMHO it would be a much better choice.
1. Shi'ism was a relatively obscure branch of Islam and was followed by few people. By contrast, by 16th century Middle East still had sizable Christian populations in Iraq and the Levant and these populations could become loyal to new Persian overlords.
2. Iran could forge alliances with major European powers - Austria, HRE, Spain, maybe even Russia later on. Iran would get access to European technology easier.
3. Easier exchange of ideas - there would be Persians travelling to Europe to study at European universities and Europeans migrating to live in Iran.