Tasmehkeshan: Booksellers of the Qajar Era

A recent historical study titled “Tasmehkeshan: Booksellers of the Qajar Era” has been published, shedding light on the fascinating world of book distribution and intellectual life during the Qajar dynasty in Iran.

IBNA reports that the research, conducted by Dr. Farzaneh Karimi, delves into the role of “Tasmehkeshan” – a term used for itinerant booksellers and street vendors who played a crucial role in disseminating knowledge and literature across cities and rural areas.

The study highlights how these booksellers, often marginalized figures, were instrumental in shaping public opinion and intellectual discourse at a time when formal bookstores were scarce and literacy rates were lower.

Dr. Karimi utilized various primary sources, including travelogues, historical documents, and personal memoirs, to reconstruct the daily lives and challenges faced by these unique cultural intermediaries.

This work provides valuable insights into the social history of books and reading in Iran, offering a new perspective on the evolution of publishing and literary culture.