Shaykh Haydar

Shaykh Haydar, born in the year fourteen fifty-nine, succeeded his father, Shaykh Junayd, as the leader of the Safavid order in fourteen sixty. His leadership spanned until fourteen eighty-eight, during which he upheld the political ambitions and policies initiated by his father. Under his guidance, the Safavid order evolved into a significant political movement, characterized by an increasingly extremist interpretation of Twelver Shi'ism. His followers revered him as a divine figure, further solidifying his influence.

One of Shaykh Haydar's notable contributions was the instruction to his followers to wear scarlet headgear adorned with twelve gores, symbolizing the Twelve Imams. This distinctive attire led to the followers being referred to as Qizilbash, meaning 'Red Head' in Turkish. This identification not only marked their allegiance but also distinguished them within the broader socio-political landscape of the time.

Shaykh Haydar's ambitions, however, brought him into conflict with the Shirvanshahs and the Ak Koyunlu, who were allied with the former. His campaigns extended into the North Caucasus, particularly in regions like Circassia and Dagestan. Unfortunately, in fourteen eighty-eight, he and his forces found themselves trapped at Tabasaran by the combined armies of Shirvanshah Farrukh Yassar and Ya'qub Beg of the Ak Koyunlu.

The ensuing battle was fierce, but ultimately, Shaykh Haydar and his men were defeated and killed. Following his death, his legacy continued through his son Soltan-Ali, who took over leadership of the order. Soltan-Ali was later succeeded by Haydar's younger son, who would rise to prominence as the founder of the Safavid dynasty, known by his regnal name, Ismail I.