Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 296 Urbanization

With the rapid development of Iran's economy and the advancement of its industrialization process, urbanization entered an accelerated phase. During this period, urbanization not only changed Iran's geographical landscape but also profoundly impacted its social structure, cultural forms, and people's lifestyles.

As Iran's capital and political center, Tehran expanded rapidly after 1850. The city's boundaries stretched outwards, and newly built streets and buildings replaced traditional mud-brick houses. The concentration of government offices, foreign embassies, and commercial establishments made Tehran the country's economic and cultural center.

Wide streets and bridges were built throughout the city, connecting major commercial and residential areas. Tehran's central avenue has become the city's iconic thoroughfare.

The northern part of Tehran, near the Alborz Mountains, gradually developed into an affluent and diplomatic district. Its cool climate and beautiful environment attracted foreign embassies, wealthy businessmen, and high-ranking officials. The southern region, due to its proximity to railways and major transportation routes, became an industrial area and a workers' settlement. Factories, warehouses, and workers' housing were densely distributed here.

Economic development fostered social stratification, with the rise of professional groups such as merchants, engineers, teachers, and doctors creating the urban middle class. These individuals resided in upscale residential areas in the city center and north, enjoying modern amenities. Theaters, cafes, and parks became major venues for citizens' leisure and entertainment, enriching the city's cultural life.

Despite Tehran's rapid development, its most developed city is not it, but Tabriz in the west.

With the development of trade and industry, Tabriz's urban boundaries expanded in all directions, particularly into the mountains to the east and the plains to the west. New industrial and residential areas significantly increased the city's size. Within just a few years, Tabriz's population grew to 30.

Tabriz's geographical location attracted merchants, artisans, and scholars from Turkey, Russia, and Central Asia, fostering a diverse and vibrant social atmosphere. The University of Tabriz became the educational center of the Northwest region, drawing a large number of students. Simultaneously, the city's arts and literature flourished.

The Tabriz bazaar was a hub for trade between Iran and Europe and Russia, with major exports including carpets, dried fruits, and textiles. The return of the South Caucasus provided markets and new exports for local trade.

Isfahan and Shiraz are also relatively fast-developing cities; one was once the capital of Iran, and the other is the economic center of the south. Both have been revitalized due to the development of Iranian industry.

Isfahan is world-renowned for its carpets, ceramics, and metalwork, and the revival of handicrafts has revitalized the city's economy. Meanwhile, with the establishment of educational institutions and the rise of cultural activities, Shiraz has become the cultural center of the southern region.

The expansion and modernization of these cities not only fueled Iran's rapid economic development but also profoundly altered its social structure and cultural landscape. Iran has become more dynamic and has completely shed its past state.

Urbanization cannot proceed without government support, and Nasser al-Din's investments in the economy, education, and transportation have been a significant driving force for Iran's progress. Iranians are grateful to him.

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"Your Excellency Abdullah, our country is shocked by the missionary work and construction undertaken by your people in the southern part of our territory. President Manuel would like to know if this is your country's intention."

Chilean Ambassador Garic explained Chile's demands to Abdullah, hoping they would completely withdraw from Araucanía.

Perhaps Chile knew that demanding a complete withdrawal from Iran was unrealistic, so they added a series of conditions, including imposing a 5% tariff on Iranian goods, offering preferential treatment for mineral exports to Iran, and welcoming Iranian investment to Chile.

"Ambassador, what are you talking about? When did our country ever instruct its citizens to go to your country's territory to preach? Our country has never done such a thing." "Your Excellency, please don't say that. Our country has come here in the spirit of peace and friendship to resolve this issue."

Garic was a little angry, thinking Iran was faking it. But Abdullah genuinely didn't know they had people in South America. He'd have to discuss this with the Shah, since he sometimes didn't inform his ministers about his actions.

"Even if it's true, as far as I know, Ambassador, the southern region your country mentions seems to be unclaimed territory. Since it's unclaimed territory, there shouldn't be any problem for our citizens to travel there, right?"

Abdullah pointed out that if Iranian citizens are active in southern Chile, it is entirely their personal behavior and has nothing to do with the Iranian government. He suggested that the Chilean government handle such issues through legal channels rather than escalating them to the diplomatic level.

Garic knew it would be difficult, but he hadn't expected it to be this difficult. Chile was determined to acquire Araucanía, but Iran's interference was truly...

Moreover, even if it has nothing to do with the Iranian government, if they kill Iranians, the Iranian government will certainly use this as a reason to demand more from Chile.

"Perhaps our country finds this hard to believe, but please understand, the sovereignty of the Araucania region belongs to our country. This is a well-known fact."

"But as far as I know, your country only had half of its current territory when it gained independence. The vast southern region is merely a claim made by your country alone. I think the opinions of the local people should be respected."

That's a valid point. If the opinions of the local people are to be respected, then Shia clerics will definitely have the upper hand, and they might even incite the Mapuche people to form a state. This would severely worsen the situation in Chile.

Garic was outraged by Abdullah’s “no man’s land” claim, emphasizing that Araucanía is legitimate Chilean territory and that any foreign activity must be authorized by the Chilean government.

"Your Excellency, I reiterate our country's demands. Your citizens must renounce Araucania. Otherwise, our government may take even harsher measures."

This became a threat, but Abdullah also hardened his stance. No country can threaten Iran anymore, especially Chile, a country that has been independent for less than fifty years. It only appears more normal than other countries because of its political stability.

"I need to discuss this with the Shah. If he is indeed a citizen of our country, we will give your country a response."

After speaking, Abdullah saw his guest off. He also reported the sudden situation to the Shah. Currently, the issue is the sovereignty of the Araucanía region. Chile's territory is small, and the Andes Mountains lie to the east, which means it can only expand north and south. But this time, it has run into a brick wall.

Of course, if they are truly Iranians in the area, they certainly won't leave; they're too busy expanding their territory to leave.

(End of this chapter)