Abbas the Great, also known as Shah Abbas I, was the ruler of the Safavid Empire in Persia from 1588 to 1629. He is renowned for his military successes, which expanded the empire's territory and strengthened its borders. His reign marked a period of cultural and economic prosperity, as he promoted trade and the arts. Abbas the Great is also famous for his efforts to modernize the empire. He reformed the military and government, established a new capital at Isfahan, and encouraged the development of Persian architecture. His legacy includes the flourishing of Persian culture and the establishment of Shi'a Islam as the state religion.