Qizilbash Crown and Etiquette of Wearing It in Mazlum Shirazi’s Nasabname-i Shah-i Alampanah Shah Tahmasb Safavid and Its Translation

Abstract

The historical and religious roots of the Qizilbash crown hold various interpretations and meanings in Iran and across the Islamic world. A closer examination of the coronation process in the Islamic tradition reveals its connection to the Prophet Muhammad. This tradition dates back to the Prophet, who passed it down to Hazrat Ali and those who inherited it from Ali and his lineage acquired a divine identity. This study provides limited explanations regarding the use of the crown in the pre-Safavid period, followed by its placement in main Safavid historical sources. The Qizilbash crown, originally a headdress used by the Turkmans, underwent changes and transformations, becoming a symbol glorifying religious values and acquiring a new meaning. It was first officially recognized by Sheikh Haydar. In this valuable work, a poet from Shiraz, a member of the Safavid order, links the use of the crown to the Prophet Muhammad. It is widely accepted that this tradition originated with Adam and formalized by Sheikh Haydar (1460-1488) during the Safavid period. This study focuses on the Nasabname, considered a first-hand source from the 10th century, specifically examining the section titled “Walking on the Bright Path: Characteristics of the Crown, Etiquette and Happiness of Wearing Crown”.