The establishment of the Safavid Empire in the early 16th century was influenced by several key factors. The decline of the Timurid Empire created a power vacuum in Persia, allowing emerging leaders like Shah Ismail I to unify various tribes and establish Shiite Islam as the state religion. The Safavids capitalized on local discontent with Sunni Ottoman rule, promoting religious fervor and nationalism. Economic factors, including trade routes crossing Persia, bolstered the empire's wealth. The Safavid Empire significantly impacted Persian culture, politics, and religion, fostering a distinct Iranian identity that remains influential to this day, as well as creating tensions between Sunni and Shia Islam.