Kashan Shenasi

Kashan Shenasi

A Comparative Historical Reading of Shah Suleiman Safavi’s Coronation in a Woven Artwork Attributed to Kashan

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Nahid Jafari Dehkordi 1
Majid Asadi Farsani 2
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Handicrafts, Faculty of Art and Humanities, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran. (Corresponding Author)
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Visual Communication, Faculty of Art and Humanities, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
10.22052/kashan.2025.257428.1147
Abstract
Sam Mirza Safavi, who was crowned Safi II at the beginning of his reign, ascended the throne again after a period of time under the name Suleiman, an unusual event reflected in historical and artistic sources. In addition to its political significance, his coronation ceremony was represented in historical sources and in works such as a brocade textile attributed to Kashan. The aim of this study is to examine how this event is reflected in the aforementioned textile and in contemporary historical texts. The main question is: what similarities and differences exist between the visual and written accounts of this event? This study is qualitative and uses a descriptive-analytical, historical, and a synchronic comparative approach. The present study conducts a parallel comparison and analysis of the coronation brocade of Shah Suleiman and historical texts from the same period. The findings indicate that both sources share common symbolism and key elements, including an emphasis on the king’s position as God’s representative and the legitimization of royal authority. Nevertheless, differences can also be observed, which are primarily attributable to the differing purposes and modes of expression of each medium. The brocade textile focuses predominantly on visual and symbolic aspects, whereas the historical texts provide details and discuss the political and social contexts. Overall, this comparison demonstrated that textile art during the Safavid period, beyond its decorative function, played an effective role in representing and consolidating political power.
Keywords
Safavid Period
historiography
Shah Safi (Suleiman) Safavi
coronation
Kashan brocade textile
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