compromise introduction propose add following introduction safavids turkic speaking shiite dynasty ruled iran till though several safavid rulers nominally reigning safavid empire originated city ardabil iranian azerbaijan origins shiite safaviyyeh order safavids combined elements turkic tribal militancy persian cultural identity shiite teachings islam assert contemporary azerbaijani iranian shiite identity reign safavids established vast iranian empire including whole modern iran parts modern iraq afghanistan pakistan south caucasus turkey finally agree introduction let discuss next origins part thanks