"دليل بلاد فارس. مجلد II" [ظ‎‎١‎٢‎٨] (٧٠٦/٢٦١)

244
ISFAHAN
In 1729 Nadir, after defeating the Afghans in Khorasan, pursued them to
Isfahan, and defeated them again there. He proclaimed, himself Shah of
Persia in 1736, and made Meshed his capital instead of Isfahan. Isfahan thus
lost its position, for in 1760 the Zend dynasty made Shiraz their capital, and
in 1779 the Qajar dynasty selected Tehran.
After this Isfahan ceased to be closely connected with the most important
historical events of Persia, but it still retained some importance as a trade
centre.
During the latter part of the nineteenth century the history of the town
and province is closely linked with history of Zill-us-Sultan, the elder brother
of Muzaffar-ud-Din Shah. He was the Governor of the province for many
years, and distinguished himself by the cruel severity of his rule, so much so
that his name still inspires awe in Persia ten years after his enforced retire
ment to Europe. He owns a large amount of property in the province.
In January 1909 Isfahan revolted against the Shah in fa vour of a constitu
tion, and its voice was made all the stronger b} r the presence of large numbers
of Bakhtiaris in the town. These in June 1909, under Sardar ’Asad, left
Isfahan, and advanceci on Tehran, which town they entered on July 13th, in
company with the nationalists from the north under the Sipahdar, and thus
secured their coveted constitution.
In April 1910 the British Consul of Shiraz was attacked on the road to
Isfahan, and two Indian sowars of his escort were killed. In July 1910
serious disorders occurred in the town, and in February 1911 the Governor
of Isfahan and h : s nephew were shot by Russian subjects.
During the whole of 1911 and 1912 the surrounding country continued
unsafe, and several Europeans were attacked and robbed.
In Novemoer 1912, a squadron of the 3Sth Central India H rse was sent
from India to reinforce the British consular guard at Isfahan ; but it was with
drawn agair in September 1912 to Shiraz.
At the beginning of 1912 Sardar Arshad, Bakht'ari, was replaced rs Gover
nor-General of Isfahan by Sardar Ja’afar, Bakhtiarl, but the latter appeared
no more capable of maintaining order. Isfahan being closely connected with
the Bakhtiarl country and be.ng also the summer-he .dquarters of many
of the tribe, usually has a Bakhtiarl Governor-General. In ihe end of Octo
ber 1912, Sardar-i-Ashjawas appointed Governor-Gemral.— (Schindler;
Graham, 1910.)
Data are insufficient on which to base even an approximate esrimate of
Population. t ^ ie population of the province. Persians
compute it at 600,000 to 1,000,000 ; but this is
mere guess-work.
The chief supply of grain is derived from the districts of Chahar
Resources. Mahall and Faridan. The amount of grain
cultivation in the district is very large;
\ azd and Kashan and some other smaller districts are supplied from here.
As a rule there is a safficient store in hand to supply the district for
two years at least.
\\ heat is grown in such abundance that, after satisfying the require
ments of the people, a great quantity of it is exported to other places, and
the rate at which it is sold is from ten to fifteen krdns for one khartclr, o