Abbas the Great

Abbas the Great, also known as Abbas I (1571-1629), was the fifth Safavid Shah (king) of Iran, reigning from 1588 to 1629. He is renowned for his effective and enlightened rule, which marked a significant period of cultural, political, and economic prosperity in Iran. Abbas the Great is often credited with transforming Iran into a major political and economic power. In Hebrew, he is known as אבאס הגדול, in Persian as عباس بزرگ (Abbās-e Bozorg), and in Turkish as Abbas Şah. His reign saw the expansion and consolidation of the Safavid Empire, the establishment of a standing army, and the promotion of trade and commerce. Abbas the Great also played a crucial role in the development of Isfahan as a cultural and political center, earning it the nickname "Half of the World" (Nesf-e Jahān in Persian). His legacy continues to be celebrated in Iran and beyond, symbolizing an era of renaissance and national unity.