Studying and explaining the use of Quranic verses in the narration of the wars of the Safavid period

The Safavid dynasty was established by Shah Ismāʿīl in 907 AH (1501 CE). The foundation and subsequent consolidation of Safavid rule were accompanied by numerous wars—both internal, against domestic rivals, and external, in response to foreign threats. These conflicts resulted in a mix of victories and failures. Safavid historians were responsible for narrating these wars, regardless of the outcome; however, their depictions had to be ideologically consistent and avoid offending the ruling monarchs. One of the key features of Safavid war historiography is the use of Qur’anic verses, known as āyeh-negārī (Qur’anic verse inscription). This study investigates the application of Qur’anic verses in Safavid war narratives. It argues that the primary function of invoking the Qur’an in historical accounts was to legitimize the military actions of the Safavid rulers. The findings show that Safavid historians strategically used verses to justify warfare, frame violent acts, rationalize defeats, and attribute victories to divine favor-often likening kings to prophets. The verses were chosen to affirm specific ideological aims. This historical-analytical study is based on library sources, with interpretation grounded in contemporary Safavid chronicles.