Suleiman I of Persia

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Shah Suleiman I and his courtiers, Isfahan, 1670. Painter is Ali Qoli Jabbador, and is kept at The St. Petersburg Institute of Oriental Studies in Russia, ever since it was acquired by Tsar Nicholas II. Note the two Georgian figures with their names at the top left.

Suleiman I (reigned 1666-1694) was the penultimate Safavid king of Persia.

After coming to age in the harem, he succeeded Abbas II. The first year of his reign was markedly unsuccessful. A series of natural disasters convinced court astrologers that the coronation had taken place at the wrong time, and the ceremony was repeated in 1667. After this false start, Suleiman changed his policy. He reduced the size of the army and the state apparatus, with the idea of economizing the empire. However, this would only weaken his control. In place of his advisors, he instituted a private council of palace eunuchs. The influence of these eunuchs led to the appointment of Suleiman's successor, Husayn.

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