Middle East Institute
Professor
Irano-Georgica
The Georgians in Faridan (Persian: Farīdan | فریدن) have uniquely preserved their language and customs for 400 years, in contrast to those in other provinces who assimilated with local tribes. Factors contributing to this cultural retention include their compact rural settlement, strict ethnic endogamy, and isolation in the Faridan mountains.
Despite the absence of Georgian, Russian, or European travelers in the 17th and 18th centuries, the presence of Georgians in Faridan was documented in 1840 by Henry Layard. Additionally, historical records from Georgia in the 18th century, such as Ioane Khelashvili's prayers, acknowledge the significant Georgian colony in Faridan.
Shah Abbas I relocated Georgian Christians, Muslims, and Jews to Iran to support economic development, military strength, and population growth in cities such as Isfahan and Mazandaran. This strategic relocation aimed to weaken Georgia while enhancing Persia's agriculture and handicrafts.
This study aims to illuminate the unique historical and cultural trajectory of the Faridani Georgians within the broader context of Iranian and Georgian history, focusing on their relocation during the 17th century under the Safavid Empire.
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