Analysis of the Distribution of Cholera and Plague in Iran and its Impact on the Social Crisis during 1795- 1847

Cholera and plague are among the destructive and fatal diseases that were common during the 18th and 19th centuries in different parts of Iran, and left a lot of casualties and damages behind. Prevalence of the disease in Iran seriously took victims until nearly a century after 1820. Every year a large number of youngsters, the old people and the children died in the country. However, the slightest measure was not taken to cure or reduce the diseases. The significance of the inadvertency and negligence of the agents towards this grave crisis becomes more apparent when we pay attention to the losses caused by the prevalence of these diseases. In some cases, up to a third of the region died because of the sufferings from this disease. Lack of sanitary facilities and quarantine of patients are the most common causes for the prevalence of these diseases and the most important consequence of it was the population decline in Iran during Qajar dynasty. In addition, the local protest and revolt against the rulers because of their attention to the people’s situation can be seen in the period. The social crisis although linked with other issues, but has its roots in this disregard. Accordingly, this study aims at finding information and carrying out some statistical analysis about the distribution of cholera and plague in the first half century of Qajar sovereignty over Iran. It also seeks to answer the question: “what were the effects of the Plague and cholera outbreaks in the first half century of Qajar sovereignty over Iran on the expansion of the social crisis?” This study implements a descriptive-analytic approach to address this issue.