TEHRAN (IBNA) -- Persian translation of ‘Russians in Iran: Diplomacy and Power in the Qajar Era ‎and Beyond’ (2018) by Rudi Matthee and Elena Andreeva which elaborates on a complex ‎historical engagement has been published. ‎
The book analyses notable historical facts such as Griboidov’s death and the key role played by Nikolay Markov’s in Iranian architecture. It has been translated into Persian by Mohammad Aghajari. Tehran-based Parseh Translation and Publication Agency has released ‘Russians in Iran’ in 494 pages and 1100 copies.
The book seeks to challenge the traditional narrative regarding Russian involvement in Iran and to show that whilst Russia’s historical involvement in Iran is longstanding it is nonetheless much misunderstood. Russia’s influence in Iran between 1800 and the middle of the twentieth century is not simply a story of inexorable intrusion and domination: rather, it is a complex and interactive process of mostly indirect control and constructive engagement.
Drawing on fresh archival material, the contributors provide a window into the power and influence wielded in Iran not just by the Russian government through its traditional representatives but by Russian nationals operating in Iran in a variety of capacities, including individuals, bankers, and entrepreneurs.
Russians in Iran reveals the multifaceted role that Russians have played in Iranian history and provides an original and important contribution to the history and international relations of Iran, Russia and the Middle East.
Rudi Matthee is John and Dorothy Munroe Distinguished Professor of History at the University of Delaware. He is the recipient of a number of awards, including the 2006 Albert Hourani Book Prize, the Saidi Sirjani Award 2004-5, the British-Kuwaiti Friendship Book Prize 2012, and has twice received the prize for best foreign-language book on Iran from the Iranian Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance.