The Safavid Empire dominated Iran before the establishment of the Pahlavi dynasty. Established in the early 16th century, the Safavid dynasty unified much of Iran under Shia Islam, distinguishing it from its predominantly Sunni neighbors. This period saw significant cultural, economic, and political developments, as the Safavids promoted Persian art, architecture, and the Shiite faith. Their governance established a strong centralized state and greatly influenced the religious and cultural fabric of modern Iran. The decline of the Safavid Empire in the 18th century eventually led to the rise of the Pahlavi dynasty, which further shaped Iran's contemporary identity and history.