History of Crafts, Industries, and Trade in Isfahan Province from Ancient Times to the Islamic Revolution

History of Crafts, Industries, and Trade in Isfahan Province from Ancient Times to the Islamic Revolution

For the writing of this collection, which has been summarized and published from six separate volumes, ten authors, including Majid Sadeghani and Neda Azimi Zavareh, along with twelve others, have collaborated, and "Fereydoun Elahiari," the Director General of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism of Isfahan Province, is the executor of this enduring historical and cultural reference. The introduction of the book refers to a historical point that narrates the prosperity and greatness of Isfahan during the Safavid and Seljuk periods. Iran and Isfahan were the centers of presence and activity for merchants and international delegations during these two eras. The first chapter of the book explores the "Historical Geography of Isfahan Province" and identifies the Zayandeh River as the main source of prosperity for this ancient region. Parts of eastern Semirom, the Qaleh Bazi of Hassanabad Mobarakeh, and Silak Kashan, as well as modern Partakna and Fereydun, along with areas in eastern Isfahan, are among the oldest and most ancient historical settlements in this vast province, with a history of habitation and life. Kashan was the center of tile-making during the Seljuk period to the extent that geographers believe the name "Kashi" is derived from Kashan. The first known example of pottery is a ceramic jug dating back to 576 AH, which is currently housed in the British Museum. The arrival of European travelers in Iran during the tumultuous Qajar period coincided with the plundering of tiles and precious historical artifacts of our country. A report from 1308 shows mining activities in Ardestan, Gharghan Fereydun, Hazhar Darr Isfahan, the salt mine in Barkhar, and Kohler Rud Nehanz. The largest coal, refractory clay, and white clay mines were also located in Semirom, Natanz, and Isfahan, with the refractory clay mine in Semirom still active and operational. During the Islamic period, minting coins and coinage was prevalent not only in Isfahan but also in Naein and Semirom, both of which had their own mints. Arms manufacturing grew during the Mongol era in various cities of Iran, including Isfahan, with Shiraz, Isfahan, Tabriz, and Gorgan being the centers of weapon production in the country. The production of steel, military armor, cannons, and firearms, as well as goldsmithing, jewelry making, and clock making, was common in ancient Isfahan, and velvet weaving also flourished in Kashan.

The foundation for establishing companies in Iran was laid at the beginning of the reign of Mozaffar ad-Din Shah, and the "Masoudiyeh Company" is a pioneer among companies in Isfahan. Chapter five pertains to "Carpet Weaving and Leather of Isfahan," which was renowned during the Timurid and Safavid periods. "Don Garcia" spoke of the quality and delicacy of this art, which is unmatched worldwide. The Jewish residents of Isfahan in the sixth century AH had a global carpet trade, and "Outre" wrote about the leather shoes from this region, stating that Isfahan's leathers are of very high quality, with most of them sourced from donkey hides to make shoes. Chapter six of the book addresses "Agriculture and Food Industries of Isfahan," noting that the qanats of the Ardestan region (Aruneh and Moun) have a history of over two thousand years. Saffron from Isfahan became famous during the Sasanian era, and the products of quince and apples from Semiram, Golpayegan, and Kashan were well-known. In the year 1282 AH, Isfahan became the main center for opium production in Iran, and the honey from Fereydun in this province has exceptional quality. The dark era of the first Pahlavi period was marked by the central government's neglect of the weak and farmers, leading to hoarding, profiteering, and food shortages throughout Iran. During this time, foreign occupying forces, such as the British (in 1322 SH), sometimes took actions to destroy existing grains. The Isfahan Agricultural Bank was established on December 22, 1934. The production of gaz (a type of nougat) flourished during the Safavid era, and mills, oil extraction, rosewater production, starch, and faludeh (a type of dessert) were also common. The making of sohan (a type of sweet) in the village of Qombavan in the Dehaghan region has a history spanning two centuries. Old Isfahan was an important medical hub in the Islamic world, but the state of pharmacies during the Qajar and Pahlavi periods was chaotic, with no oversight of their operations. The newspaper "Akhgar" (from 1928 to 1942) reported on the disarray in the drug market, which is referenced on page 374 of the book. "History of Trade" is placed in chapter seven of the book, emphasizing Isfahan's significant role in central Iran in agricultural and industrial production, as well as the passage of trade caravans through this region. The Jewish quarter of Isfahan was active in weaving various fabrics, especially a type called "Saqalatun" (a deep blue fabric), and its products reached the heart of Europe. In addition, the production of opium, rinass (a type of resin), color flowers, dried fruits, and spices was prevalent in this area.

The horse held great significance during the Mongol domination of Iran, with Khorasan and Isfahan being the most important centers for horse breeding. The Safavid Empire marked a period of prosperity and elevation for Iran. The Friday markets of Isfahan were active during this time for the sale of livestock, fruits, and vegetables from rural areas. "Jan Smith," the then Dutch ambassador, recounts that daily, 2,000 sheep were slaughtered in Isfahan, along with 1,500 livestock in its outskirts. During this period, the Safavids decisively ended the presence of the Portuguese in the Persian Gulf, paving the way for the flourishing of our country's foreign trade via the sea. All foreign companies, including the British East India Company, Italy, France, the Netherlands, and Portugal, had representation and offices in Isfahan. However, during the Qajar era, Isfahan lost its prominent economic position, and stagnation prevailed in this region. We witness the decline of engraving and textile design during this time, with reports stating that only one-tenth of the 8,000 active spinning wheels in Kashan remained. Carpet weaving, in contrast, thrived due to high demand and the lack of competition in the West. The report from the British consul in the province of Isfahan also indicates competition between the carpet weavers of Bakhtiari and Qashqai during that era. In the year 1265 AH, there were 35 sugar refining workshops in Isfahan, and according to Lord Curzon, although Isfahan experienced decline during the Qajar era and under the rule of Zol al-Sultan, it remained the second commercial center of Iran and the only rival to Tabriz. Isfahan was also the largest center for the export of dried fruits in Iran. Figs and walnuts, pomegranates, and pistachios from Ardestan were well-known, and trade relations with the British were more active than with the Russians. During World War I, Iran's carpets and transportation fell into British hands, to the extent that 14 trading houses from this country were active in Iran. The handicrafts of Isfahan declined during the Pahlavi era due to an increase in the import of foreign goods. At that time, there were 30,000 weaving machines across the province, producing 300,000 meters of various fabrics daily

Kazama, the first Japanese minister plenipotentiary in Iran (1929 in the Solar Hijri calendar), remarked during a visit to a carpet weaving workshop in Isfahan: "Today, the handicrafts of Iran are on the verge of regaining the lofty foundations of ancient times, but the spirit and soul of the young weavers and girls are sacrificed for this elevation and revival. The product of this exploitation, which I witnessed in Isfahan, adorns the reception halls in Europe and America, allowing the hosts to take pride in such beauty and splendor." However, Hawks wrote that every morning in Isfahan, he would wake up to the factory whistle. For many Isfahanis, the factory whistle symbolized an abundance of locally produced, affordable fabric and clothing made from domestic wool and cotton. That whistle was a symbol of the successful revival of Iranian self-sufficiency. In 1921 in the Solar Hijri calendar, the first factory named "Vatan" was established in Isfahan, making it the third in the country, and later, Ata al-Mulk Dehesh set up a similar factory. Match production, oil extraction, sugar, and cement industries also began operations in Isfahan. The early years of the dark era of the second Pahlavi dynasty were marked by the decline of Isfahan's economy. Political factors sought to exploit the collective power of workers for their own benefit. The increase in imports during this period was another factor contributing to the destruction of Isfahan's economy. From 1966 onwards, Isfahan became a city of workers, with 56% of its population being laborers. "The Roads and Caravanserais of Isfahan Province Through History" is the title of the eighth chapter of the book. Isfahan has been a hub for Fars, Khorasan, and Khuzestan, and it is the capital of Iraq-e-Ajam. During the Safavid era, security on the roads was established, and it was during this time that stations and caravanserais were built along the routes. On page 505 of the book, regarding the high prices and famine in Isfahan, it is quoted from the newspaper Mofteh Iran: "In every corner where a horse or mule, or even a half-dead creature, has fallen to rest, the city's poor immediately swarm over that living animal without fear or thought of punishment, tearing pieces of flesh from its body with their teeth and nails, and consuming it raw!" It was also during this transitional period between the first and second Pahlavi dynasties that the roads and routes of Fars, Isfahan, and Bakhtiari became unsafe, leading to plundering wars in Semiram, resulting in the deaths of thousands of military personnel and civilians.

The last chapter of the book discusses "the guilds and the market of Isfahan" and states that the main market of Isfahan has developed around the Jewish quarter of the city and enjoyed great splendor and prosperity during the Buyid and Seljuk periods. According to the report by the French travelerdin, there were 240 markets and caravanserais in this province, but during the Pahlavi era, the market became filled with Western goods, lost its vibrancy, and turned into a warehouse for their products. The last 44 pages of the book are dedicated to historical, library, travelogue, and pictorial sources.

Shideh / F. allahyari, A. Mahmoudabadi, M. Sadeghani, N. Azimi