Hostname: page-component-6898cfcb55-zsp5v Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2026-11-12T01:34:39.773Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Amusements in Qajar Iran

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2022

Shireen Mahdavi*
Affiliation:
Department of History at the University of Utah

Abstract

Social life in Qajar Iran was segregated by both gender and class. Parallel to social life were social pastimes and amusements which were generally segregated in the same manner. Foreign travelers to Iran, in true Orientalist fashion, frequently mention that people had few amusements. This paper will discuss various amusements and diversions, ranging from outdoor activities such as hunting and shooting, to physical and intellectual games, to high drama such as passion plays (ta‘ziya) and folk performances as well as street performers, puppeteers and mimicry, dancers and musicians, and to activities promoting leisure and enjoyment. It attempts to cover as many activities as possible, but it will also show that there was such a wide choice of amusements that it is, in fact, difficult to discuss them all.

Information

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © The International Society for Iranian Studies 2007

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

Article purchase

Temporarily unavailable