Travels In Persia

In John Chardin's Travels In Persia, we see from the author's accounts of his travels and interaction with Safavid society that religion plays a significant role in society. However, despite any religious significance of the Safavid society, the role and influence of trade and self-interest are illustrated as more significant to the culture and society. Islam plays an important role in court politics, commerce, and international relations but Chardin's Protestant background influences his view of the role of religion in these aspects of society and culture.

The accounts of Safavid culture show the impact of Islam on society and the worldview of those within it. Safavid philosophers are concerned with international relations and trade, providing accounts of the "Hope and Fear of a Future State" and "Misfortunes of the World," but in Chardin's (p. 184) view they are "desirous of getting, that they may spend it." We see that Chardin also explains that the religious beliefs of the Safavid are responsible for providing them with a fatalistic view of life and the universe. When misfortunes happen to the Safavid, they "are not cast down," and say quietly to themselves "Mek toub est, i.e. That is written, or, it is ordained, that that should happen," (Chardin, p. 184).

We see that the religious views of the Safavid also make them fairly self-reliant with respect to international relations and interaction. Fond of tobacco, liquors, and cof

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Category: Philosophy -