پژوهش های تاریخی (Dec 2021)
Bushehr Etemadieh Factory and its Impact on the Socio-economic Structure of Bushehr in the Pahlavi Era
Abstract
Abstract In the Pahlavi era, industrialization was one of the policies of the government, and therefore establishing new factories especially textile factories were among the most important priorities due to offering employment opportunities and added value. One of the cities that was deemed suitable for establishing textile factories was Bushehr where Bushehr Etemadieh textile factory was officially established in 1938. The aim of this study is to investigate the establishment, the activities, and the effects of spinning and weaving factories on the socio-economic conditions of Bushehr. The main question of this study is: what factors lead to the establishment of the spinning and weaving company in Bushehr, and what impact did it have on the economic and social situations in this city? This research uses the descriptive-analytical method based on documentary data of library archives and national libraries, local new documents, periodicals, library resources, and first-hand texts. The results showed that the company had a great impact on the economic and social structure of Bushehr, and in addition to increasing employment and migration, it led to growing awareness of the workers and the formation of urban workers and non-petroleum products in the city. Introduction The textile industry has been one of the major industries in Iran over the centuries. A new chapter in the history of Iranian industries was created by the fall of the Qajar dynasty and the advent of the Pahlavi regime. Reza Shah adopted modernization in the industry as a goal, and in this regard, he set up the establishment and development of industries, including textile industries. As the first textile factory in 1304 AH (1918), it was established in Iran despite the development of industries in the country by 1945. Industrialization was a priority for the economic programmers of Reza Shah government. During the Reza Pahlavi era, because of the increase in oil prices and his efforts to compete with European countries, many industries including the textile industry grew and flourished. One of the factories that flourished during the Reza Shah era was the establishment of spinning and weaving plant of Etemadieh on October 4, 1938. The company officially opened and operated in Davas of Bushehr. In this study, it is assumed that the industrialization policies of the Pahlavi state, especially the development of the country’s textile industries, led to the establishment of Etemadieh weaving company in Bushehr. This led to the economic boom of Bushehr, including increased employment, increased migration, the formation of urban laborers, and non-petroleum commodities exports in the city. Materials and Methods The data of this study are based on valid historical sources, archival documents, new documents, journals, field studies, and oral history through interviews with people who were familiar with the factory and especially employees and managers of the Etemadieh factory. The method used in this study is descriptive-analytical relying on the main sources. Discussion of Results and Conclusions Among the industries that worked in the Pahlavi era was the textile industry in Bushehr as well as other parts of the country. On October 26, 1938, Etemadieh factory, named by its founder, was officially established as a textile factory in Bushehr. The basis of the establishment and management of the Etemadieh factory was based on Statute which was approved in the first general assembly of the company on 20th September. According to the statute, Etemadieh was the first to be a special stock company at the top of its management pyramid, managing director, and then board members and auditors. Etemadieh Company had many employees to operate in the field of production and administration and services. The machinery and equipment of the factory were also purchased from the Japanese and Italian companies which had good quality, so the factory was in good conditions in terms of production during its boom. The quality pieces of the pound fabrics were also made from cotton yarn from different cities of Iran. The research results show that the factory had a great impact on the socio-economic structure of Bushehr. On the one hand, the company paved the ground for the employment of more than one thousand people. On the other hand, Bushehr’s economy, facing a recession, was experiencing a revival again. In addition to economic and industrial effects, the construction of Etemadieh factory was also followed by social results including the migration of many people from different urban and rural areas around Bushehr to the city as well as the development of industrial and municipal workers in Bushehr. In terms of culture, it contributed to the sphere of culture and cultural interests, including the establishment of a school of decency and support from charities and orphanages.
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