Hani Khafipour

Hani Khafipour is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of History and the Asian Studies Program at the University at Buffalo (SUNY Buffalo). Their research focuses on the intellectual history of Iran and the political-religious culture of the early modern Middle East, with a specialization in Sufism and Safavid political theology. Khafipour holds a PhD from the University of Chicago (2013), an MA from the same institution (2007), and double Bachelor of Arts degrees in History and Philosophy from the University of Hawaii–Hilo (2005).

Khafipour’s research examines the transformation of the Safavid dynasty from a Sufi order into a Shi'a empire, exploring themes of sovereignty, mysticism, and empire-building. Their forthcoming book, *The Mantle of the Sufi Kings: Political Theology in Early Modern Iran*, analyzes Safavid claims to legitimacy. They have published widely on comparative empires, Safavid-Ottoman-Mughal interactions, and the intersection of religion and politics in early modern Eurasia.

• Awards: J. Franklin Jameson Award (2021), USC Faculty Development Awards (2019–20 and 2015–16), Mellon Dissertation Fellowship (2012–13), and grants from the Roshan Institute, AIIS, and others.
• Grants: Multiple interdisciplinary and travel grants for archival research in Iran, Georgia, Turkey, and the UK.

Khafipour teaches courses on Iranian and Middle Eastern history and literature, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches. Their work bridges history, religious studies, and art history, often integrating material culture and textual sources. They are affiliated with the American Historical Association, Middle East Studies Association, and the Association for Iranian Studies.