پژوهش های تاریخی (Sep 2024)
The Role of Heat in the Lifestyle of the People of Iran during the Safavid Era
Abstract
Abstract One of the intriguing yet overlooked topics in the social history of Iran is the study of the role and impact of environmental and climatic phenomena, such as temperature in both its warm and cold forms, on people's lifestyles during various historical periods. This study aims to answer this research question: What role did heat play in the social and individual lifestyle of the people of Iran during the Safavid era? The present research is an interdisciplinary study with a historical nature. The data were gathered using a library-based method, and the presentation of the material is descriptive-analytical. The findings of this study demonstrate the influence of heat on the social and individual lifestyle of the people of Iran during the Safavid era in various aspects. Socially, the significant role of heat is evident in matters such as livelihood, military operations, architecture, travel, and agriculture. A considerable portion of the data pertains to the numerous stresses and physical ailments caused by heat's effects on different parts of the body. Health preservation measures and various methods of alleviating and treating heat-related illnesses have been identified and explained. The recent increase in temperatures and the problems resulting from it highlight the necessity of paying greater attention to historical methods of coping with the heat. The applicability of these measures and methods in today’s society underscores the need for raising awareness among the general public, pilgrims, and nature tourists. Keywords: Safavid Era, Heat, Lifestyle, Body Health, Treatment. Introduction The existence and material life of humans can be defined with or without their physical bodies. The health of the human body is influenced by various factors, among which environmental elements, such as air temperature in the form of heat and cold, play a significant role. It is evident that unbalanced temperatures, especially heat, can profoundly affect the social and individual lives of humans and the living conditions of animals and plants, potentially leading to various consequences. Although studying the role of environmental elements from a historical perspective is challenging due to the nature of the historical sources available, a detailed examination of these sources, along with the use of medical resources, reveals different aspects of how heat influenced life and social behaviors in Safavid Iran. The climatic and thermal conditions of an environment result from the combination of various climatic elements. These elements include geographical location, sunlight exposure, humidity, wind, rainfall, etc. The simultaneous interaction of these climatic elements creates diverse weather conditions. From a climatic perspective, Iran's geographical expanse is categorized into four climates: 1) humid, 2) cold/semi-arid, 3) hot/humid, and 4) hot/arid. A significant portion of Iran's geography falls within the hot (arid/humid) climate zones; therefore, warm weather has played, and continues to play, an essential role in shaping both the social and individual lifestyles of its people. Materials and Methods The present research is an interdisciplinary study with a historical nature. The data were collected through a library-based method, and the approach to presenting the content is descriptive-analytical. This research seeks to answer this research question: What role and significance did the factor of heat have in shaping the lifestyle and social and individual living conditions of the people of Iran during the Safavid era? Research Findings The findings of this study highlight the impact of heat on the social and individual lifestyles of the people of Safavid-era Iran from various perspectives. Socially, the influence of heat can be identified in areas such as livelihood, military operations, architecture, travel, and agriculture. The onset of summer and rising temperatures, particularly in the central and southern provinces, caused livelihood and welfare challenges for both residents and travelers. Locals were often forced to leave their homes for several months to escape the intense summer heat, which inevitably disrupted agricultural and economic activities. Agricultural practices were adapted to the climatic and environmental conditions, with heat-resistant crops being planted. Protecting crops from heat to prevent pest infestations or product loss was essential. Any damage to crops would lead to food supply shortages, which, in turn, would cause health and hygiene issues. Heat also played a significant role in governance. The arrival of the hot season often necessitated the relocation of the ruling administration to cooler areas, a practice that could disrupt administrative and social systems. One context where heat was of particular importance was during the initiation of military operations. Ignoring the factor of heat, especially during the start of military campaigns, could result in significant hardships for soldiers and their animals. Therefore, operations were planned to avoid the hot season whenever possible. In cases where operations during summer were unavoidable, precautions were taken to ensure water supply and maintain hygienic conditions at the soldiers' camps. Another major aspect of the impact of heat on people's lives is evident in architecture and settlement construction. In hot climates, buildings were designed to mitigate the effects of heat. Local materials were used as thermal insulators, and buildings were constructed to protect inhabitants from the intense heat. Additionally, to create a more comfortable thermal environment, strategies to enhance airflow were employed, varying by region and climate. In hot and arid areas, wind and water were utilized to achieve greater cooling. Discussion of Results and Conclusions There was a direct relationship between the balance or imbalance of air and the improvement or deterioration of human health. Temperature fluctuations, whether increases or decreases, disrupted air quality and affected people's well-being. On an individual level, exposure to heat during hot seasons or while traveling in warm regions could severely impact health, leading to various physical issues and functional disorders in the body. To prevent such problems, it was essential to avoid activities during peak heat and schedule them for cooler times, such as early mornings or evenings. Exposure to heat reduces an individual’s health in two primary ways. Firstly, heat leads to increased sweating, causing dehydration and intense thirst, which could prove fatal if neglected. Preventative measures included awareness of health recommendations provided by physicians and adherence to them during exposure to heat. These recommendations often involved gradually acclimating the body to heat and cleansing it through various methods before exposure. Another set of measures included dietary advice, such as consuming foods and drinks with cooling and moist properties before facing heat, enabling the body to resist dehydration. The second major health impact of heat was the onset of various conditions, particularly skin injuries and diseases. Despite emphasizing preventative measures to avoid harm, in cases of injury, various treatments and medicines were employed to address the issues.
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