A look at how Shiism took root in Iran and how Shia clerics have historically shaped and mobilised political action. “There, religious schools trained Shia clerics, some of whom travelled abroad to spread their teachings. The Shi’i state in IranThe year 1501 was a turning point in Iran, when Shah Isma’il the Safavid established the first Shi’i state in Iran. They were quick to offer sound rewards to the native religious establishment in Iran, which was mostly Sunni. The religious scholars relied on the state for institutional legitimacy, but also created religious venues for legitimization,” writes Goldberg.

Source: Indian Express March 05, 2026 15:35 UTC