Fragile Frontiers: The Diminishing Domains of Qajar Iran

In: International journal of Middle East studies: IJMES, Volume 29, Issue 2, p. 205-234

Abstract

Long before the French Revolution, an anonymous geographer of the 10th century had already imagined the "boundaries of the world"—(ḥudūd al-ʿālam)—as comprising distinct regions. According to this unknown figure, each territory varied from another "First, by the difference of water, air, soil, and temperature (garma-va-sarma). Secondly, by the difference of religion, law (sharīʿat) and beliefs (kīsh). Thirdly, by the difference of words (lughāt) and languages. Fourthly, by the difference of kingdoms (padshāʾī-hā)." These criteria, as well as natural barriers—mountains, rivers, deserts—allowed the author of this work to divide the world into tracts much like nation-states today.