'GAZETTEER OF PERSIA. VOL. III. PART II: L to Z' [‎321r] (646/988)

SHI—SHI
940
Silver work is a specialty, and the productions much sought after by
Europeans.
Qalidns, the hukah of Persia, some of which are very beautifully worked
in the precious metals. The bowls are generally formed of a cocoanut,
the more costly description mounted with silver and gold. The prices
vary from Is. to £30.
Rough brown paper made from rags of an inferior kind.
Country soap made from fat, ashes, and lime. It is used for washing
clothes and in the public baths. Soap is not an article in great demand in
Persia.
Small arms. —Guns, pistols, and even revolvers are made by hand. The
action of the Martini-Henry has been copied and really good weapons are
turned out, the best being valued at £25. Shot guns and matchlocks
are the most usually made and are sold to villegers and tribesmen, but the
makers are unable to compete with the imported article and the trade is
deteriorating. Gunsmiths in Persia are quite capable of replacing a broken
gunstock.
Swords, daggers and cutlery .—The manufactures of Shiraz were once
famous and there is even now a demand for their wares in Turkish Arabia A term used by the British officials to describe the territory roughly corresponding to, but not coextensive with, modern-day Iraq under the control of the Ottoman Empire.
and Turkey. This industry has much declined since the introduction of
firearms, but there is still a fairly large local demand. As cutlers the
Shlrazis are expert workmen, but they find it hard to compete with machine-
made goods.
Combs made of ebony, sandalwood, etc., find a considerable local demand
and are largely exported to India and Jiddah.
Matting of a better quality for prayer and sleeping mats, and also a
common quality of reed mats.
Papier Mache. —This was once a considerable industry and included the
making and painting of fancy articles such as pen-cases. It has now
declined and inferior articles only are manufactured. ^
Silk. —Formerly an extensive industry, which has now been lost sight of
owing to the disease among the silkworms.
Glassware.- —Imported goods have stunted and almost ruined this manu
facture. It is now restricted to the making of bottles for the export of wine,
rosewater, and lime-juice.
Earthenware. —This manufacture gives employment to a large number*
of people. It includes the making of kiln-baked jars for wine and vinegar
making, sun-dried jars for storing grain, lamps and pottery for various
household purposes, and bricks both plain and ornamental.
Lime. —Of fair quality for local requirements, and a good quality of
cement is made. , '
Tanning skins- —Provides employment to a number of people.
Print making. —Though insignificant as compared with the same industry
in Isfahan, it is not inconsiderable.
Starch-making. —Starch made from wheat is largely used in the manu
facture of sweet-meats. An inferior quality is made for sizing cloth.
Henna .—Is in great demand as a dye and there is scarcely a street with
out its henna shop. «