The First Iranian Embassy in Europe

In 1599 CE (978 AH), at the command of Shah Abbas I of the Safavid dynasty, a delegation consisting of an ambassador, Hussein Ali Beg Beyat, and four secretaries—Arouj Beg, the chief secretary; Ali Qoli Beg, the ambassador’s nephew; and two others—was sent to Europe.

Led by the English traveler, Anthony Shirley, this group aimed to visit eight European courts in search of an ally against the Ottoman Empire. Shirley, along with 25 other Englishmen, traveled to the Safavid court via Venice and secured a position there.

As Iran had been at war with the Ottomans for nearly a century, the mission’s clear objective was to forge an alliance between Iran and Christian Europe against the Ottoman Empire.

Additionally, it was agreed that a special envoy would be sent to the court of Boris Godunov, the Emperor of Russia. However, this group ultimately only met with the rulers of Germany, Italy, and Spain. The initial plan to meet with the rulers of England, France, Scotland, and Poland en route was canceled.

Throughout history, various connections have been established between Iran and Europe. One notable example is the visit of Anthony Jenkinson, representing Elizabeth I of England, in 1562.