An analysis of the functions of commercial firms in Mashhad regarding their cultural output in the Pahlavi dynasty

One of the important topics in the study of local history of Khorasan is research on the economic history of Khorasan . Due to the importance of such research, the present article is dedicated to the study of Mashhad businesses in the Pahlavi era. Based on the objectives of the research in this article, the commercial activities of Mashhad businesses and the various functions of traders have been analyzed and studied. This research is descriptive - analytical and is based on the archival documents of Astan Quds and the National Library and some local documents. The results of this study indicate the connections and interactions of Mashhad businesse s with other cities in the country such as Tehran, Rasht, Yazd, Birjand, as well as trade relations and their exchanges with businesses such as Russia and Germany . In addition, the findings of this study show that Mashhad businesses in the study period, in addition to commercial functions, have various functions in social areas, including the participation of businessmen in social affairs and everything related to the welfare of Mashhad citizens. An example of this function can be seen in the construction of schools, mosques and baths, houses, stairs, caravanserais, etc., which participated. Among the political functions, we can mention the protesting letters of the merchants to the government and the organized efforts of the merchants and bazaars to form the Bar Association, establish the council, participate in anti-authoritarian groups such as the National Front, the Freedom Movement, and so on.