What problems did the Safavid Empire face and how did its rulers attempt to solve them?

The Safavid Empire faced several challenges, including internal strife, sectarian conflict, and external threats from the Ottomans and Uzbeks. To address these issues, Safavid rulers, particularly Shah Abbas I, centralized power, strengthened the military, and promoted the Twelver branch of Shia Islam to unify the populace. They also encouraged trade and cultural exchange, fostering economic stability and enhancing the empire's prestige. Despite these efforts, the empire's reliance on a single sect and external military campaigns ultimately contributed to its decline.