Nader Shah's ascent from a shepherd to a formidable military leader and ruler of Iran is explored through unique primary sources, including unpublished letters from Dutch East India Company staff. The book reveals his ruthless ambition, which restored Persia's imperial status but devastated its economy and human life. It details his conquests, including invasions of India and Ottoman Turkey, and culminates in his assassination in 1747. This comprehensive account sheds light on a pivotal yet often overlooked figure in Iranian history, offering fresh insights into his tyrannical reign.
Focusing on the significance of a port city's hinterland, this book explores the critical relationship between the activities within that area and the city itself. It emphasizes the necessity of a secure and efficient road connecting the port to its markets, highlighting how this infrastructure plays a vital role in economic and logistical success. The intertwined themes reveal the broader implications of transportation and trade on urban development and regional interconnectivity.
The book provides an in-depth analysis of Bandar Abbas, a historically significant port in Iran that evolved from a fishing village to a key trade gateway. It examines the port's decline following the Safavid era and its eventual reclamation by Iran from Oman. The author explores various aspects of life in Bandar Abbas during the Qajar period, including trade dynamics, population, and institutional changes. Additionally, it highlights the interrelationship between Bandar Abbas and the nearby town of Minab, offering insights into Iran's modernization challenges in the twentieth century.
The book offers an in-depth analysis of the Persian Gulf during a transformative period marked by the emergence of European trading empires. It highlights the strategic manipulation of European administrative systems by local elites and explores the governance of key ports. Drawing from diverse sources, including rare archival material, it illustrates the Gulf's integration into the Indian Ocean trade network while emphasizing the distinct political economies of major ports like Hormuz and Basra. The work also challenges misconceptions about European influence and trade dynamics in the region.
The study explores the 18th-century Persian Gulf's trade dynamics, highlighting the transition from lower to upper Gulf trade routes and the shift from the northern Persian coast to the southern Arab coast. It chronicles the decline of Dutch and British trading companies, while local rulers like the Imam of Oman and the Qavasem emerged as influential political figures. Additionally, the lack of interest from Persian and Ottoman authorities allowed the East India Company's Bombay fleet to assert naval power, foreshadowing the British Royal Navy's future role in the region.
The narrative explores the transformation of Bandar-e Lengeh from a tranquil fishing village into a bustling trade center and pearl fishing hub, shaped by its tumultuous history of piracy and British intervention. Initially thriving under the Qavasem Arabs, the port faced decline after a new Iranian customs regime in 1903 shifted trade to Dubai. This volume draws on diverse primary sources, including Iranian, Dutch, and British reports, making it a vital resource for scholars and history enthusiasts interested in the Gulf's rich cultural and economic evolution.
"'Sofreh' is Persian for 'spread' - referring to the colorful arrangements of flowers, condiments and objects of spiritual or cultural importance that are displayed at Persian ceremonies. As the title promises, this book is a visual feast. Flush with lavish historical illustrations and contemporary photography, it documents Persian marriage and New Year celebrations in rich detail. Sofreh pays homage to ancient traditions, discussing the symbiosis of symbolism and culture. Despite their ancestral roots, the featured ceremonies are infused with life and creativity. Modern fabrics are welcomed alongside refined antique textiles, creative floral designs, unconventional pieces of furniture, and unexpected objects. References to Persian poetry, literature, art and folklore stimulate the imagination, and the text is illuminated with exquisitely detailed extracts from old manuscripts, antique woven textiles and embroideries. Each volume centres around a series of original and at times highly elaborate sofreh creations. Together they comprise an extensive project, involving research into Persian ceremonies and sofreh history by an eminent scholar, and the design and creation of stunning compositions. Book One is about the Persian New Year (Nowruz), which is celebrated on the first day of Spring. Book Two explores Persian marriage and wedding customs, and the elaborate settings for marriage ceremonies (Aqd)"-- Publisher's description.
The book offers a thorough analysis and examination of virtually all the available sources of information (Persian chronicles and archival documents; European traveler accounts, memoirs, and archival sources). The Dutch material is of particular importance and their integration with the more familiar information is unique. In addition to scholars of Iran, Central Asia and the Middle East, it would also be of interest to those working in the field of comparative institutions in history, sociology and political science."--BOOK JACKET
