The Memoirs of Shah Tahmasp I - Safavid Ruler of Iran

A remarkable first-person narrative by a sixteenth-century Iranian ruler, the Memoirs of Shah Tahmasp I, Safavid Ruler of Iran (1514-1576), originally written in Persian, represent a vitally important primary source for the history of the Middle East in the period. In particular, the Memoirs shed light on the Safavid conflict with the Uzbeks and Ottomans, which played a decisive role in shaping the modern frontiers of the region. The Memoirs also represent an invaluable source for the internal political and religious life of the Safavid court, and the ways in which Shah Tahmasp, one of the most important rulers in Iranian history, wished to be remembered and viewed. This book represents the first English translation of this important text, and is furnished with an extensive introduction and notes that situate the work in its literary and historical context.

List of contents

List of Figures
List of Maps
List of Tables
Preface and Acknowledgements
Note on the translation

Introduction
Chronology
Translation of the Memoirs

Chapter One: Introduction and the Affair of Ulama
Chapter Two: A Brief Account of the Affair of Ghazi Khan
Chapter Three: The Affair of Alqas Mirza
Chapter Four: The Account of Iskender Pasha
Chapter Five: The Affair of Beyazid

Glossary
Bibliography

Product details

• Authors: Shah Tahmasp I, Shah Tahmasp I
• Assisted by: Andrew Peacock (Editor), Peacock Andrew (Editor), Andrew Peacock (Translation), Peacock Andrew (Translation)
• Publisher: Tauris, I.B.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Release: 11.12.2025
• EAN: 9780755653560
• ISBN: 978-0-7556-5356-0
• No. of pages: 184
• Subjects: Fiction > Narrative literature > Letters, diaries; Iran, HISTORY / Middle East / General, HISTORY / Middle East / Turkey & Ottoman Empire, HISTORY / Middle East / Iran, Middle East, Islamic Studies, Middle Eastern history, Early modern history: c 1450/1500 to c 1700, Persian Empire