Publications
Developing a Multi-Criteria Decision Model to Unlock Sustainable Heritage Tourism Potential
A significant portion (34%) of Isfahan Province's Persian caravanserais, newly inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Sites, exhibits very high potential for sustainable heritage tourism development. This finding emerges from a multi-criteria decision-making model, the BMW-WLC framework, which evaluated 39 criteria across eight sites—including network connectivity, tourist attractions, facilities, climate, geomorphology, and hazards. The analysis revealed that while Gaz and Gaba Abad rank highest overall, they require tailored climate adaptation strategies to mitigate risks. This study demonstrates a data-driven approach to assessing tourism potential in heritage contexts, offering actionable insights for balancing preservation with development.
Comparison of Anatolian and Persian Caravanserais in the Seljuk Period
A comparative analysis of Seljuk-era caravanserais in Anatolia and Iran reveals that while their interior spaces and functions were largely similar, serving as hubs for trade and cultural exchange along the Silk Road, significant differences existed in their plan design and spatial organization. The study examined six caravanserais—three from Iran (Deyre Gachin, Robat-e Mahi, and Robat-e Sharaf) and three from Anatolia (Evdir Han, Aksaray Sultan Han, and Alara Han)—focusing on their architectural characteristics, construction dates, and functional attributes. Findings highlight the distinct regional adaptations of this Seljuk imperial policy aimed at connecting cities within its borders, offering insights into the evolution of caravanserai architecture during this period.
Early modern caravan networks in Afghanistan
New remotely-sensed data reveals the critical role of caravan routes and caravanserai networks in Afghanistan during the early modern period (15th to 18th centuries AD), highlighting their significance as infrastructural ties between Safavid Persian and Mughal empires. The study demonstrates how these routes facilitated a 'meeting on the edge' of political economies, integrating frontiers through shared institutions. Researchers combined historical maps with accounts from travelers—including merchants, mercantile agents, and British Afghan Boundary Commission representatives—to reconstruct the politics, mechanics, and cultures of caravan networks in Central Asia. This interdisciplinary approach bridges satellite/aerial imagery with firsthand narratives, offering insights into early modern trade dynamics.
Imperative Role of Nur Jahan and Her Persian Roots in the Evolution of Mughal Garden Tombs
Mughal garden tombs, epitomized by the Taj Mahal, owe their evolution significantly to Nur Jahan's Persian influence during Jahangir's reign. This study highlights her pivotal role in integrating Persian arts and crafts into Mughal architecture, fostering a unique amalgamation of styles that enriched funerary traditions. Nur Jahan, an influential Mughal queen with deep Persian roots, commissioned structures that showcased subtle yet profound Persian elements, such as Chahar Bagh and Hasht Bihisht, while nurturing the growth of artists and artisans. The research establishes her imperative contribution to bridging Persian and Mughal artistic traditions, emphasizing her lasting impact on architectural innovation in India.
Medieval and Early Modern European Travelers on the Jewish Epigraphy of Southeastern Europe and Caucasus
A Jewish inscription from the 16th century, discovered on the wall of a caravanserai in Azerbaijan and later published by German traveler Adam Olearius (1599–1671), provides epigraphic evidence linking medieval Jewish communities in Transcaucasia to accounts by Western European travelers. The inscription, dating back to 1224/5 AD, mentions a figure named Faraj, son of Yitzhak, and aligns with testimony from William (or Guillaume) Rubruck, who visited the region in 1254. This finding suggests that the stone block was repurposed during the construction of the caravanserai after the Jewish communities had disappeared or left the area. The study reconstructs and translates the inscription's text, offering new insights into medieval Jewish epigraphy in Southeastern Europe and the Caucasus.
“A labor of love”: on the perils and seductions of writing about Iran. An Interview with Jill Worrall
Jill Worrall's travelogue, Two Wings of a Nightingale: Persian Soul, Islamic Heart, challenges and subverts dominant Orientalist stereotypes about Iran through a deeply personal and immersive narrative. Published in 2011, the book recounts her journey across Iran with her guide, Reza, along ancient caravanserai routes, offering rich insights into Iranian culture, history, literature, and arts. Worrall's work stands out for its attempt to humanize Iran, contrasting with a global publishing industry often complicit in perpetuating dehumanizing narratives about the region. Conducted as an interview in 2016, this discussion sheds light on her writing process, her disillusionment with stereotypical portrayals, and her commitment to presenting authentic, alternative perspectives.
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