The Role of the Ghaffari Family in the Continuity of the Urban Structure of Kashan

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Ph.D. Candidate in history, History group, Mahallat Banch,Islamic Azad University, Mallet, Iran

2 Corresponding Author, Associate Professor, Department of History, Kwarazmi University, Tehran, Iran

10.22103/jic.2025.24398.1382

Abstract

Kashan, with rich civilizational heritage and strategic location, gained prominence as a major trade center during the Safavid era, earning the title of Iran’s trade warehouse. Unlike many Iranian cities, especially those with conditions similar to Kashan, which faced decline during the Qajar period due to internal and external challenges, Kashan experienced one of its most prosperous phases. This prosperity can largely be attributed to the Ghafari family, particularly Amin al-Dowleh, who played a central role in the city’s development. Amin al-Dowleh entered the royal court during the reign of Fath-Ali Shah. Demonstrating exceptional intelligence, he rose to prominence by earning the trust of the Shah. During Mohammad Shah’s regin he was appointed the governor of Kashan. Through his direct and indirect influence, he significantly contributed to the development of Kashan and the elevation of the Ghafari family’s status. Farrokh Khan, another notable member of this family, also played a pivotal role by sending several students to Europe for education during his mission related to the Treaty of Paris. Upon their return, these students made notable contributions to Kashan’s urban and cultural development. This study employs a descriptive-analytical approach to explore the Ghafari family’s influence, particularly Amin al-Dowleh’s, in shaping Kashan’s urban structure and cultural-social identity during the Qajar era. The research highlights their contributions, including constructing key infrastructures such as the Mesgaran Bazaar, related caravanserais, and the Amin Timcheh. These developments enhanced Kashan’s economic and cultural landscape, establishing it as a prosperous and dynamic city in Qajar Iran.

Keywords

References

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