Bahram Mirza

Bahram Mirza Safavi (; 15 September 1517 – 11 October 1549) was a Safavid prince, governor and military commander in 16th-century Iran. He was the youngest son of Shah Ismail I, the founder of the Safavid dynasty. Throughout his career, he held the governorship of Herat (1530–1533), Gilan (1536/37), and Hamadan (1546–1539). He participated actively in the war with the Ottoman Empire, and also played a key-role in suppressing the rebellion of his brother Alqas Mirza. Bahram Mirza was also a notable patron of the arts, excelling in calligraphy, painting, poetry, and music, being surrounded by some of the same painters and calligraphers as his full brother and sovereign Shah Tahmasp I. The Bahram Mirza Album, an album of paintings and calligraphic samplings dedicated to him, is preserved at the Topkapı Palace in Istanbul. It appears to have had a significant influence on Safavid Iran's perception of a unique Persian artistic style. Bahram Mirza died on 11 October 1549, possibly due to an overdose of opium. He was survived by his three sons Soltan Hosayn Mirza, Ibrahim Mirza and Badi-al Zaman Mirza Safavi, who all died in 1577. The latter two were killed under the orders of Shah Ismail II, either due to paranoia from constant drug usage or to ensure his rule would not be threatened. Soltan Hosayn Mirza also died in the same year but without Shah Ismail II's intervention. Background Bahram Mirza Safavi was born on 15 September 1517 in Maragheh. He was the youngest son of Shah Ismail I, the founder of the Safavid dynasty of Iran. Owing to his fondness of Iranian national legends, Shah Ismail I named Bahram after the Sasanian ruler Bahram V, who was famous for his romantic life and hunting feats. Bahram Mirza's mother was Tajlu Khanum, a Turkoman from the Mawsillu tribe. In 1524, Shah Ismail I died and was succeeded by his son Shah Tahmasp I, who was the full brother of Bahram Mirza. The two brothers had a close relationship, with Shah Tahmasp I frequently seeking Bahram Mirza's advice.