Zeynab Begum was the fourth daughter of Safavid king Tahmasp I, is considered to be one of the most influential and powerful princesses of the Safavid era.
14 Facts About Zeynab Begum
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Zeynab Begum lived during the reigns of five successive Safavid monarchs, and apart from holding diverse functions, including at the top of the empire's bureaucratic system, she was the leading matriarch in the royal harem for many years, and acted on occasion as kingmaker.
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Zeynab Begum reached the apex of her influence during the reign of King Safi.
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Zeynab Begum was eventually removed from power by Safi in 1632.
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Zeynab Begum was born to one of Tahmasp's Georgian wives, a princess named Huri-Khan Khanum.
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At a young age, Zeynab Begum was assigned a guardian, Shah-Qoli Beg, a high-ranking member of the Shamlu Qizilbash faction.
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Zeynab Begum played a pivotal role by her support of her nephew, heir-apparent Hamzeh Mirza.
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Tahmasp I 8.
Zeynab Begum continued to be the leading matriarch in the harem, and she oversaw the upbringing of Abbas's sons.
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Zeynab Begum was on occasion included in the highest advisory body, the "Council of State"; in 1606, she was the only woman at the briefing.
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Zeynab Begum was expelled from the harem, and all her posts were taken from her.
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Zeynab Begum was banished to Qazvin, where she lived under house arrest.
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Zeynab Begum was allowed to re-enter the royal court around four years later.
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Zeynab Begum was restored as head of the royal harem in Farahabad and Isfahan by Abbas in the spring of 1627.
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Zeynab Begum was succeeded as the leading matriarch in the royal harem by Dilaram Khanum, widow of Mohammad Baqer Mirza.