Tahqiqāt-e Târix-e Eqtesâdi (Economic History Studies of Iran)

Pīshkesh (Gift) and Its Functions within the Safavid Fiscal Structure

Document Type : .

Authors

Farzad Khoshab 1
Tooran Toolabi 2
Seyed Alaeddin Shahrokhi 3

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

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

3 Associate Professor of History Lorestan University, Khoramabad, Iran

https://doi.org/10.30465/sehs.2024.46143.1939
Abstract
Introduction:
Pīshkesh, a traditional structure in Iran, was also prevalent during the Safavid period. Influenced by the cultural changes of Perso-Turkish patterns in post-Islamic Iran, this tradition emerged as a tax with various functions. Among these, meeting the financial needs of the court was one of its most important roles. This essay focuses on the characteristics and financial functions of Pīshkesh, aiming to shed light on some unexplored aspects within the internal structure of the Safavid government. It also considers the economic ramifications of Pīshkesh as well as its political and cultural connotations. As the study shows, Pīshkesh contributed to the financial expenses of the Safavid government. For instance, on special occasions like Nowruz and coronation ceremonies, significant gifts were donated to the Safavid monarchs. Interestingly enough, both the state (specifically the Shâh) and the donors benefited from Pīshkesh. The state used this mechanism to strengthen its financial power, while donors improved their political standing. Consequently, the Safavid administrative structure, which directly benefited from this valuable source, sought to increase Pīshkesh contributions. This situation inevitably led to financial corruption. The Safavid period has been less examined from the perspective of issues such as Pīshkesh. This essay attempts to view the Safavid period from a less political angle.
Methodology:
As historical research, this study is based mainly on first-hand sources in Persian. A bunch of literary sources such as travelogues, historiographical narratives, administrative compendiums and diplomatic reports are commissioned to frame the factual structure of the study. In order to attain the purposes, a variety of literary materials has been extracted from the historiographical texts, travelogues, and administrative booklets constitute the factual basis of the research. From the analytical point of view, an explanatory-descriptive approach is employed to address the research question. It is noteworthy that historiographical sources provide limited information about Pīshkesh, whereas travelogues offer extensive insights in this field.
Literature Review:
The Safavid period has been a fascinating topic for Iranian scholars and their orientalist colleagues from all over the world. Among these scholars, some have studied the entire Safavid era, including political, economic, and other issues. N. Falsafi, E. Eshraqi, Roger Savory, H. R. Roemer, M. Sefatgol and recently Andrew Newman can be enumerated within this category. Other scholars focused more on economic issues, examining the government from an economic perspective. Among Iranians, M. E. Bâstâni Pârizi was a pioneer scholar who in his classic Eqtesad va Siyasat dar Iran-e ‘Asr-e Safavi explored different aspects of economic life of Safavid Iran in relation with the political sphere. Ronald W. Ferrier, Willem Floor and Rudi Matthee are some western scholars who have dealt with the socio-economic aspects of Safavid Iran. These scholars mostly focused on trade and commercial issues as well as their diplomatic ramifications. Not surprisingly, some of these scholars have studies Pīshkesh and its functions within the more inclusive framework of Safavid administration and political system. Yet, no one appropriated an independent study to this subject. Considering this lack, the present paper has focused on Pīshkesh (Gift) and its functions. It aims to illuminate the financial, political, and cultural dimensions of the Safavid period. Pīshkesh is considered a tool for understanding cultural issues.
Results:
In conclusion, Pīshkesh contributed to the financial expenses of the Safavid government. For example, on special occasions like Nowruz and coronation ceremonies, significant gifts were donated to the Safavid monarchs. Both the state (specifically the Shâh) and the donors benefited from Pīshkesh. The state used it to strengthen its financial power, while donors improved their political standing. Consequently, the Safavid administrative structure, which directly benefited from this valuable source, sought to increase Pīshkesh contributions, leading to inevitable financial corruption. Additionally, this essay considers the role of Pīshkesh in the power relations of the Safavid government. Some statesmen used Pīshkesh to maintain or improve their office positions. Thus, the essay adopts a two-sided perspective: Pīshkesh had both financial and political functions. Furthermore, some cultural issues can be understood through Pīshkesh, highlighting its complexity and multifaceted nature.

Keywords

Safavid period
Pishkesh
Financial structure
Nowruz
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Tahqiqāt-e Târix-e Eqtesâdi (Economic History Studies of Iran)
Volume 13, Issue 1 - Serial Number 25
September 2024
Pages 207-239

  • Receive Date 15 July 2023
  • Revise Date 04 January 2024
  • Accept Date 06 February 2024

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