Tārīkh-i Īrān

Tārīkh-i Īrān

The Role of Tabriz Merchants and the Position of Azerbaijan as a Commercial Hub in Iran’s Carpet Exports during the Qajar Period

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
1 Department of Iranology. Faculty of Iranology. Vali Asr University of Rafsanjan. Rafsanjan. Iran.
2 PhD student in Iranian history. Kharazmi University. Tehran. Iran
10.48308/irhj.2026.246109.1577
Abstract
Tabriz, owing to its geographical and transit position, played a significant role in connecting domestic trade with the markets of Russia, Turkey, and Europe. The role of Tabriz merchants and the mechanisms through which carpet-producing centers were connected to foreign markets through this commercial hub require further investigation. Given the importance of this hub in Iran’s foreign trade, this study seeks to answer the following question: What position and role did the commercial hub of Azerbaijan and Tabriz merchants play in the trade and export of Iranian carpets to global markets during the Qajar period, and what factors contributed to the formation and expansion of this role? The study adopts a historical approach and employs a descriptive-analytical method, drawing on historical sources, consular reports, archival documents, and statistical data. The findings indicate that the value of carpet exports from the commercial hub of Azerbaijan, despite periodic fluctuations, followed an upward trend, and that this hub played an important role in connecting domestic production centers with foreign markets. The activities of Tabriz merchants in purchasing and exporting carpets, establishing networks of representatives and commercial agents, investing in production centers, and establishing carpet-weaving workshops, alongside the presence of foreign companies, contributed to the expansion of carpet production and export networks through Azerbaijan. Furthermore, during the fourteenth century AH, Turkey, particularly Istanbul, occupied an important position in the distribution of Iranian carpets to European and American markets and contributed to the continuity of Azerbaijan’s commercial connections with international markets. Consequently, Azerbaijan and Tabriz served as intermediaries connecting domestic production centers with international markets.
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 27 October 2026