Reasons for the Spread of Shiism in the Kermanshah Region
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1. The Early Abbasid Period (2nd Century AH): During the 2nd century AH, Shia followers who were being persecuted by the Sunni Abbasid Caliphate in Baghdad began fleeing toward Iran. Their primary route from Iraq to Iran passed through Kermanshah, marking the beginning of a significant historical presence.
2. The Role of Imams' Representatives: In the mid-2nd century AH, representatives of the Shia Imams traveled constantly between Iran and Iraq to deliver messages. Since their path led through Kurdish territories, the local population gradually became acquainted and integrated with Shia beliefs. In his book Rijal, Sheikh Tusi mentions several individuals from the Dinavar region who were prominent supporters of Imam Reza.
3. The Buyid Dynasty and the Hasanwayhid Emirate: After the 4th century AH, the rise of the Buyid Dynasty (who were Shia) and especially the establishment of the Kurdish Hasanwayhid Emirate led to a significant and widespread expansion of Shiism across the region.
4. Sufism as a Religious Bridge: The emergence of Sufi orders in Kurdish areas, particularly following the Mongol, Timurid, and Safavid eras, played a unique role. Sufism acted as a cultural bridge between Shiism and the Shafi'i Sunni school of thought, which later facilitated the transition to Shiism during the Safavid period.
5. The Safavid Era and Institutionalization: Under the Safavids, Shiism became the official state religion. Shia governors were appointed in Kermanshah, and they supported scholars in establishing religious infrastructure. This era saw the building of mosques, schools, Husseiniyas, and Hawzas (seminaries), alongside the migration of numerous Sayyids and Mullahs to Kermanshah to promote the faith.
6. Political Influence and Dynastic Marriages: Intervention in the affairs of Kurdish Emirates increased significantly after the Battle of Chaldiran. For instance, Shah Abbas married his sister, Seyyedeh, to Ahmad Khan (son of Helo Khan). According to the book Sira al-Akrad, Khusraw Khan converted to Shiism and was known by the title "Khan Darwish." Furthermore, the daughter of Fath-Ali Shah Qajar was the wife of Khusraw Khan Erdalani and played a pivotal role in the region. Later, during the reign of Nasir al-Din Shah, Khusraw Khan gave his daughter, Homa, in marriage to the Shah of Iran.
7. The Qajar Period and the Shift to Iraq: During the Qajar era, the center of Shia scholarship shifted from Isfahan to Karbala and Najaf. This created a new phase for the region, as vast numbers of religious students traveled through Kermanshah on their way to the holy cities in Iraq for their studies, strengthening the city's religious status.
8. Migration and Social Integration: The migration of families and individuals from Safavid and Qajar-controlled territories to other regions occurred due to various political and commercial reasons. This, combined with intermarriage and social mixing, further solidified the religious landscape of the area.