Document Type : .

Authors

• Farzad Khoshab ¹
• Tooran Toolabi ²
• Seyed Alaeddin Shahrokhi ³

¹ PhD Student of history. Lorestan University, Khoramabad, Iran

² Associated Professor of history. Lorestan Universiry, Iran, Khoramabad.

³ Associate Professor of History Lorestan University, Khoramabad, Iran

Abstract

Pīshkesh as a viable traditional structure in Iran was also common during the Safavid period. Influenced by cultural changes of Perso-Turkish patterns in post-Islamic Iran, this tradition has been emerged as a tax with different functions. Among these, meeting the financial needs of the court was one of its main important functions. Concentrating on Pishkesh characteristics and its financial functions, this essay aims to shed light on some unexplored aspect of Pishkesh within the internal structure of Safavid government. At the same time, this question has been considered that what economic consequences Pishkesh led to? A bunch of literary material which are extracted from historiographical texts, travelogues and administrative booklets constitute the factual basis of this research. An explanatory-descriptive approach is employed to advance the research question of the paper. In conclusion, it seems that Pishkesh provided part of financial expenses of Safavid government. For example, in some special occasions like Nowruz and coronation ceremony, significant gifts were donated to the Safavid monarchs. As a matter of fact, both the state (actually the Shâh) and those who prepare the Pishkesh benefited from its advantages. The state exploited it to strengthen its financial might and the donor benefited it to improve his position in the political ranks. Hence, the Safavid administrative structure who enjoyed directly of this invaluable source, aimed at getting Pishkesh more and more. This situation led to the emergence of financial corruption as an inevitable outcome.

Keywords

• Safavid period
• Pishkesh
• Financial structure
• Nowruz