Analysis and Evaluation of the Performance of the Lianazov Commercial Company in Astarabad Province, Based on Unpublished Documents from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1318–1335 AH / 1900–1917 AD)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of History and Iranology, Faculty of Letters and Humanities, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.

2 PhD in History of Iran in Islamic era, Department of History and Iranology, Faculty of Letters and Humanities, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.

10.30484/ganj.2025.3278

Abstract

Purpose: The modernizing reforms initiated under Peter the Great (1682–1725) transformed Russia’s perception of Iran, imbuing it with an increasingly colonial character. A major shift involved Russia’s intensified focus on Iran’s northern provinces, particularly Astarabad, which held strategic importance as an entry point into eastern Iran and because of its proximity to British India. Russian efforts to dominate Astarabad, especially in economic terms, deepened over time. In 1293 AH / 1876 AD, exclusive fishing rights along the Iranian Caspian coast and its tributary rivers, including those of Astarabad, were granted to the Russian merchant Stepan Lianazov. These rights expanded and were subsequently inherited by his descendants, remaining under their control until the October Revolution of 1917. This article addresses two central questions: what activities the Lianazov family pursued in Astarabad, and what impact their operations had on the region.
Method and Research Design: This research has been carried out with a descriptive–analytical approach, using unpublished archival documents from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Findings and Conclusion: While the Lianazov family built facilities for fishing, warehouses, bathhouses, bridges, and even hospitals in Astarabad, the monopolization of fisheries and maritime operations helped them to extensively exploit the local inhabitants, especially the Turkmen. This systematic encroachment made the confrontations with the local population inevitable.

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Main Subjects


English Translation of References
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GH1322-K25-P4-11; GH1322-K25-P4-38; GH1322-K25-P4-41;
GH1322-K25-P4-66; GH1322-K25-P4-75; GH1323-K13-P8-7;
GH1325-K21-P14-15; GH1325-K21-P14-17; GH1325-K21-P14-19;
GH1325-K21-P14-40; GH1329-K49-P1-4; GH1329-K49-P1-6;
GH1329-K49-P1-12; GH1329-K49-P1-26; GH1329-K49-P1-36;
GH1329-K49-P1-52; GH1329-K49-P1-52.1; GH1329-K49-P1-52.2;
GH1329-K49-P1-74; GH1329-K49-P1-111; GH1329-K49-P5-2;
GH1329-K49-P5-10; GH1329-K49-P5-19; GH1332-K51-P94-8;
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