Latest / The Safavid Empire: Persia's Return to Greatness — Fexingo History
Safavid Silk and Armenian Trade: How New Julfa Built an Empire
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the remarkable story of New Julfa, the Armenian quarter of Isfahan created by Shah Abbas I after his forced relocation of Armenians from Julfa in 1604. They trace how these Armenian merchants, with their vast networks stretching from Venice to India, became the economic backbone of the Safavid Empire. The conversation covers the founding of the Armenian Church of Bethlehem, the role of khwajas (merchant lords) like the Safras and Shahrimanians, and the unique system of trade agreements known as 'amān. Lucas explains how Shah Abbas granted the Armenians…
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