Tasmeh-Kashs: Qajar Era Booksellers

A recent article delves into the fascinating history of “Tasmeh-Kashs,” a unique type of bookseller prevalent during Iran’s Qajar era. These mobile vendors played a crucial role in disseminating knowledge and literature across various social strata, often traveling between cities and towns.

The article, based on historical documents and memoirs, describes how Tasmeh-Kashs would carry their merchandise – usually books, manuscripts, and sometimes religious texts – in bundles wrapped in leather straps (tasmeh), selling them in bazaars, coffee houses, and private homes.

Unlike modern bookstores, Tasmeh-Kashs offered a personalized service, often acting as literary consultants and even lending books to trusted customers. Their business was vital for the literary scene, connecting authors with readers and facilitating intellectual exchange in an age without widespread printing presses or established libraries.

The piece highlights the challenges these booksellers faced, from harsh travel conditions to political censorship, yet underscores their resilience and significant cultural impact. It concludes by lamenting the disappearance of this traditional profession in the face of modernization.