The Role of Gilan Province in the Economic Prosperity of the Safavid Era: According to European Travelers’ Reports

Abstract

Since the beginning of the Safavid era, Gilan province played a prominent economic role through its active participation in the commercial exchanges of the Safavid state, particularly following the collapse of local authorities. European powers, from the early eighteenth century, paid increasing attention to Gilan’s economic prosperity and political status due to its strategic geographic location, which served as a bridge connecting Russia to central regions of Iran. Its strategic position and significance in silk production and the transportation of goods were key factors shaping European policies toward the region, especially after the closure of Ottoman trade routes, prompting Europeans to establish a new route through Russia to Iran, making Gilan a vital corridor between Iran and Europe. European travelers’ reports from the first half of the eighteenth century, based on their geographic and economic observations, indicate that Gilan played a central role in the revival of the Iranian economy. These findings demonstrate that Gilan’s strategic location and abundant economic output made it a critical area for both the Safavid state and European traders. This study adopts a historical methodology, utilizing available sources and archival data.