Shah 'Abbas ( in blue hat) receives Moghul emissary
After the downfall of the Abbasid Caliphate, 1258 C.E. (courtesy of the Mongols and their siege weapons), Persia (present-day Iran) remained a fragmented region. However, in the XVI century, Shah Abbas united Persia creating the Safavid Empire- and a second golden age of culture began for Iran. The report from the BBC titled "Iranian Treasures Bound for Britain" (click to read), exposes a current negotiation between the British and Iranian government over a loan of artifacts for an exhibition to be held in England named "Shah 'Abbas: The Remaking of Iran." The interesting part of the article is the negotiation between both governments regarding the artifacts. As you know, present-day Iran is closed-country, specially for Western powers like the U.K..
I want you to reflect upon the significance of the artifacts mentioned in the negotiation, and also consider what message may the exhibition itself convey about the Safavid past in contrast with the present policy of the country. Everyone should post by C-day.
