The British Museum

19 February – 14 June 2009

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.

Research, undertaken by the British Museum’s Dr Sheila Canby and Professor Robert Gleave from Exeter University, investigating the importance of Shah 'Abbas in renovating four key religious spaces has contributed to a better/greater understanding of their importance.  Funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) this research has been key in the preparation of the exhibition.

For more information please go to the British Museum website.