Studying the role the government in changing the pattern of men's facial makeup in the Safavid period

TThe actions of the Safavid Shahs regarding men's facial makeup are considered one of their thought-provoking policies that at first glance seems unimportant, it reflects more important issues. Therefore, having used descriptive- analyzing method, the paper is going to answer this question: What pattern did men's facial makeup focused on beards, mustaches and hair, follow during the Safavid period, and what role did the government play in promoting that pattern? The findings of the research show that Shah Ismail, in the style of the Qizilbash, shaved his beard and wore a long mustache, promoted a pattern that should be called the Qizilbashi pattern. A pattern became part of the identity of the Safavid supporters.Shah Tahmasp, Shah Ismail II, and Shah Muhammad Khudabanda did not support the promotion of this pattern, and even Shah Tahmasp banned it.As a result, a large part of the relatives of the Shah distanced themselves from the Qizilbashi model and wore beards according to traditional Iranian customs, but the Qizilbashi model continued to exist. But Shah Abbas I again promoted the Qizilbashi pattern. Shah Abbas I's successors favored short beards and mustaches. The Safavid government's most important motivation for promoting its desired pattern was to create a diffirent visual identity for Iranians.The result was that the Iranians were distinguished from the enemies and Neighbors of the Safavid state, namely the Ottomans, Uzbeks, and Indian Muslims. Furthermore, following this pattern was not only a sign of following Shiism and distinguishing Shiites from Sunnis and religious minorities; it was also considered as supporting the Safavid government and displayed people's political orientation.