The social status and political cultural role of Hosayni Hamzavi family in Seljuq era (431-590 AH)

The fourth century AH is the beginning of Sadat families’ formation in Iran. Hosayni Hamzavi's family was one of those families whose first central core was formed in Qom. This Shiite family played important roles in various fields in Seljuq era. These roles were based on a certain political and social context and were consequences of Sadats’ noble status in cities of Iran, specifically Qom. The aim of this paper, which is designed by descriptive-analytical method, is to review those fields and present an account of that family’s situations and successes. The findings of the study indicate that Hamzavi family, which had gained a noble social and political position before Seljuq era, promoted its status during this period. Prominent figures of this family, by obtaining official positions like Sadats’ niqabat and rulership of cities, acted as intermediaries between the sovereigns, Sadat and the Shiites. In the cultural arena, several jurists and traditionists emerged from Hosayni Hamzavi family and propagated Shiite teachings and beliefs. They established schools and libraries, trained disciples, supported Shiite writers and by taking a tolerating and condoning approach, gained also respect of non-Shiites.