The British Museum just opened the first major exhibition to explore the rule and legacy of Shah ‘Abbas, one of the formative figures in the creation of modern Iran. Shah of Iran from 1587 – 1629 AD, he is remembered as one of the country’s most influential king and the greatest ruler of the Safavid Dynasty of the Persian Empire. He was a great builder and restorer of major monuments across the country. The exhibition will feature luxurious gold-ground carpets, exquisite Chinese porcelains, illustrated manuscripts, watercolour paintings, metalwork and beautiful silks..