Tasmehkeshha: Qajar-Era Booksellers

IBNA News Agency – A new book titled “Tasmehkeshha: Qajar-Era Booksellers” (Tasmehkeshha, Ketabfrooshan-e Doreh-ye Qajar) by Seyed Ahmad Mohit Tabatabai examines the role of these individuals in the Qajar period.

This comprehensive study delves into the multifaceted responsibilities of Tasmehkeshha, who were not merely book vendors but also functioned as publishers, copyists, and cultural intermediaries during a pivotal era in Iran’s history.

The author meticulously explores how these booksellers facilitated the dissemination of knowledge and literature, influencing intellectual and social developments across different strata of Qajar society.

The book details the challenges and innovations faced by Tasmehkeshha, from securing manuscripts and arranging for their duplication to navigating market demands and political sensitivities, offering a unique insight into the historical evolution of Iran’s book culture.