Examining three samples of natural dyes- Sakahan, Anbar, Bahraman- used in ancient Iran, as found in ancient Historical Literary Documents and Persian poems (4th- 8th centuries AH)

The purpose of the present study is to identify samples of Iranian natural dyes which were used in ancient Persian but have been forgotten, renamed or imported and used with other names. The data worked on in this study comprised historical literary documents and Persian poetry. Method and approach of research: This research has been carried out on information gained from library studies performed on the poems of poets from the fourth to the eighth century AH, dictionaries, old books on medicine and stones and jewelries. To this end, the researcher performed content analysis on the data obtained. 

Findings and results:

Persian poems are considered as important historical evidence, giving witness to the large number of natural dyes used in ancient Iran. Based on the findings of this study, it is found that many natural dyestuffs have been used in poetry. The dyestuffs pointed out in the poems studied include: Sakahan, amber, Safflower and Bahraman. These dyes were important dyes in ancient Iran and their dyeing properties remained over time.