What were two earlier names of the region that became the Safavid Empire?

Azerbaijan region and Greater Iran.

Explanation:

Safavid Empire was one the important and powerful ruling empire in Iran. The empire lasted from 1501 to 1736. The dynasty was established upon the sufi order of Safaviyya. Safavid empire was one of the established Islamic 'gunpowder empire'.

The two earlier regions where Safavid empire was established included the Azerbaijan region and the Greater Iran region. After establishing empire in these two regions, Safavid dynasty formed a unified Iranian state.

Therefore, the two names are: Azerbaijan region and the Greater Iran region.

uncle sam would be tossing and turning in his grave : *)