Question

Use the passage to answer the question.

"Shah ‘Abbas was among the most innovative and intriguing figures of early modern Iran. In addition to establishing the magnificent city of Isfahan as a world capital through a dynamic reconfiguration of its architectural and urban design, he transformed Iran into the destination of ambassadors and travelers from the far reaches of Europe and Asia; it was documented in travelogues, epistles [letters], and prints. Safavid Iran, therefore, was known for its robust economy, diverse population, and the dynamism of cities such as Isfahan. The cultural landscape was similarly rich, with the architectural, visual, and literary arts mobilized in the service of the ingenious ruler’s imperial vision." —Kishwar Rizvi, "The Suggestive Portrait of Shah ‘Abbas: Prayer and Likeness in a Safavid Shahnama

What can you infer from this passage about Shah Abbas’s rule of the Safavid empire?

A. He reestablished the former glory of the Persian empire through ruthlessness and absolute power.
B. He was primarily focused on military success over cultural and economic prosperity.
C. He helped restore a cultural golden age similar to the ancient Persian empire through enlightened rule.
D. He was unable to rule successfully due to constant warfare with the rival Ottoman empire.

Answer 1

Shah Abbas's rule of the Safavid empire is inferred to be a period of cultural and economic rejuvenation, displaying a focus on artistic, urban, and societal development, ultimately leading to a golden age reminiscent of the ancient Persian empire.

Step-by-step explanation:

Inference About Shah Abbas's Rule of the Safavid Empire

From the passage provided, we can infer that Shah Abbas's rule of the Safavid Empire was marked by a period of cultural and economic revitalization. This is seen through his initiatives in transforming Iran into a destination for ambassadors and travelers, his architectural and urban redesign of Isfahan, and by fostering a rich cultural landscape with strong economic foundations. Abbas I's reign contributed to a golden age in Iran's history similar to ancient Persia, and he was successful in reforming the military and civil administration, thereby strengthening his empire.

Shah Abbas I is described as an innovative and intriguing leader who was responsible for empowering the economy, diversifying the population, and adding dynamism to cities such as Isfahan. The fact that he attracted visitors from Europe and Asia, as well as being the subject of travelogues and prints, suggests his rule was also known abroad and may have created a positive international profile for the Safavid Empire. Moreover, his rule saw the capital, Isfahan, becoming one of the masterworks of Persian Islamic art and architecture, underlining the importance he placed on cultural elements to complement his political and military prowess.

Contrary to being solely focused on military expansion or facing insurmountable challenges from rivals such as the Ottoman Empire, the passage emphasizes Abbas's contributions to the arts and the broader societal fabric. Hence, given the information, option C aligns with the inference that Shah Abbas helped to restore a cultural golden age through enlightened rule.