Persian Cities

Persian Cities examines the major urban centers of Iran during the Safavid, Zand and Qajar periods (16th-19th centuries). The book provides detailed accounts of Isfahan, Shiraz, Kerman, Yazd, and other significant cities through historical records and firsthand observations. Lockhart combines architectural analysis with social history to document the physical development and cultural life of these cities over time. His research draws from European travelers' accounts, Persian chronicles, and his own experiences in Iran during the early 20th century. The work catalogs the mosques, palaces, bazaars, and urban infrastructure that defined these Persian metropolises, while exploring their economic and political roles. Maps and photographs supplement the text's descriptions of both well-preserved and vanished architectural monuments. The author's systematic approach reveals patterns in how Persian urban centers evolved and adapted through successive dynasties, offering insights into Islamic city planning and the interplay between commerce, religion and governance in medieval Iran.

Readers value this book's detailed historical accounts of six major Persian cities, focusing on their architecture, culture and social history from the 16th-19th centuries. Liked: - Thorough research and primary source documentation - Period photographs and illustrations - Focus on lesser-known aspects of Persian urban life - Clear writing style accessible to non-academics Disliked: - Limited scope beyond the six featured cities - Some outdated terminology and colonial-era perspectives (published 1960) - Lack of maps and city plans - Print quality issues in recent editions Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (14 ratings) Amazon: 4/5 (3 ratings) Notable review quotes: "Invaluable resource for understanding Iran's urban development" - Goodreads reviewer "The architectural details and old photos alone make it worth reading" - Amazon reviewer "Shows its age but still relevant for serious students of Persian history" - LibraryThing review

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The Rise and Fall of Ancient Cities by David Wilkinson Analysis of urban centers across multiple ancient empires tracks the development and decline of Persian, Babylonian, and related civilizations through their metropolitan hubs.

Persian Art and Architecture by Henri Stierlin Documentation of Persian urban design principles and architectural achievements spans the pre-Islamic through Islamic periods with focus on city planning and monuments.

Cities of Medieval Iran by Richard Frye Study of Iranian urban centers from the Islamic conquest through the medieval period examines the transformation of Persian cities under new cultural influences.

The Silk Roads: A New History of the World by Peter Frankopan Historical account of Persian and Central Asian cities as crucial nodes in the network of trade routes connecting East and West demonstrates their role in cultural exchange.

🏛️ The book was published in 1960 and remains one of the most comprehensive English-language studies of Iran's major historical cities during the Safavid period (1501-1722). 🗺️ Laurence Lockhart spent significant time in Iran as an employee of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company (now BP), which gave him unique access to cities and historical documents that many Western scholars couldn't obtain. 🕌 The book provides detailed descriptions of Isfahan's famous Maidan-i-Shah (Royal Square), which was the largest public square in the world at the time of its construction in the early 17th century. 📚 Lockhart drew heavily from accounts of European travelers and merchants who visited Persia during the 16th-17th centuries, including Jean Chardin, whose detailed observations of Isfahan are particularly valuable. 🏰 The work includes detailed information about the now-lost palaces and gardens of Qazvin, which served as the Safavid capital before Shah Abbas I moved it to Isfahan in 1598.