Final answer:
The Safavid Empire entered its golden age under Shah Abbas I, who implemented military reforms, built the majestic city of Isfahan, and fostered a period of cultural prosperity and expansion. The correct answer is option c.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Safavid Empire entered a golden age under the rule of Shah Abbas I, also known as Abbas the Great. His reign, which lasted from 1587 to 1629, marked the height of Safavid power in terms of military, political, and economic influence. Shah Abbas I initiated significant reforms in the military and civil services, actively engaging in the development of the state's infrastructure by building roads, canals, and fostering a flourishing of Persian culture through patronage in arts and architecture. Most importantly, he created a new capital at Isfahan, which became a hub for Persian Islamic art and an enduring legacy. Shah Abbas I also dealt with internal and external threats effectively, managing to counteract the pressures and incursions from the Ottoman and Uzbek forces that had plagued his predecessors.
During Shah Abbas's reign, the Safavid army was reorganized and trained to adopt Western European military techniques. This proved successful in pushing back the Ottomans and stabilizing the empire's western frontiers. Abbas's strategic alliances with European powers, such as receiving cannons from the English, were also integral in his military successes. Additionally, his support and resettlement of refugees, such as Armenians, into Isfahan helped to both expand and diversify the Safavid Empire's population and economic base.
The religious zeal of the Shi'ite Safavid state also played a crucial role in its identity, as it provided a homeland for the Shi'ites and challenged the Sunni dominance in the greater Islamic world. The golden age of the Safavid Empire under Shah Abbas I was a period of prosperity and growth in Persian culture and established the region's Shi'ite character that would leave a lasting impact long after the empire's eventual decline.