This major exhibition explores seventeenth-century Iran through
the reign and legacy of one of its most influential rulers, Shah
'Abbas I (reigned AD 1587–1629).
Shah 'Abbas was a stabilising force in Iran following a period
of civil war and foreign invasion. He strengthened the economy
by establishing global trade links between Asia and Europe and
revitalised the state religion Shi’a Islam which is still practised
today.
The exhibition will demonstrate Shah 'Abbas’s social, religious
and artistic influence on Iran through the gifts he endowed to
major shrines in Mashhad, Ardabil and Qum, and his magnificent new
capital at Isfahan.
The objects, many of which have not been seen outside Iran, will
include exquisite Qur'ans, mosque lamps, paintings, carpets,
calligraphy, porcelain and silks.
Shah 'Abbas: The Remaking of
Iran is the next major exhibition in the British
Museum series focused on great rulers, following The First Emperor: China’s Terracotta Army
and Hadrian: Empire and
Conflict. This is a unique opportunity to discover Shah
'Abbas’s contribution to the creation of modern Iran.
Loan objects
The objects borrowed for the
exhibition Shah 'Abbas: The Remaking
of Iran (19 February – 14 June 2009)
will be recommended for protection under Part 6 of the Tribunals,
Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 (protection of cultural objects on
loan).