In this episode, Miles and Dr. Manouchehr Khorasani dive deep into the amazing history of firearms in Persia throughout different time periods as well as the cultural and religious relation with weapons. Dr. Khorasani is a historian who has delved deep into the history of Persian arms and armor, including Persian martial arts. He has an incredibly vast knowledge of the subjects and authored seven books and won three major book prizes.
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Check out the podcast here and listen along with the photographs below!
You can check out Dr. Khorasani’s YouTube channel here: www.youtube.com/c/RazmafzarTV/featured
And this episode was visually recorded and divided into a two-part YouTube video:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ndx2Swbe2Nk
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Cz1e4plaJw
Podcast Running Order:
Introduction
Islamic Sword? What? The Mistake of Lumping Faith and Silah
The Transfer of Technology: Silah and The Silk Road
Introduction
Dr. Khorasani has an incredibly vast knowledge of his research subjects and has authored seven books. But his achievements are not solely focused on his historical research; as stated on his website, he is “…the founder and owner of M. Khorasani Consulting (MMK) specializing in executive coaching, leadership, public speaking and intercultural training. Dr. Khorasani has conducted seminars in executive coaching, leadership, and intercultural training in the banking, insurance and law firm and real estate industries with more than 20 years of professional experience. He has taught across Europe in English, German, and Spanish in Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Switzerland and UK. He also taught in different events in the USA, Russia, Ukraine, Czech Republic, the UK, Italy, Iran, Mongolia and Malta.”
In regards to his published literature, here are some examples; Persian Archery and Swordsmanship: Historical Martial Arts of Iran, Persian Fire and Steel: Historical Firearms of Iran, Antique Oriental and Arab Weapons and Armour: The Streshinskiy Collection
You can check all the books he has available for sale on his website here.
Fig.1.1. The cover of Dr. Khorasani’s book on antique Iranian firearms: ‘Persian Fire and Steel: Historical Firearms of Iran’ (Source: Dr. Khorasani)
Islamic Sword? What? The Mistake of Lumping Faith With Silah
If there is one thing that Dr. Khorasani will correct you on, it is calling Oriental weapons, whether it is a firearm or a melee weapon, an “Islamic Weapon”. In the midst of the discussion with Miles regarding small arms coming from the “East”, Dr. Khorasani mentioned his experience dealing with Western researchers who would use terms such as “Islamic weapons and armor” and lump religion with the weapon as if both were inseparable. Dr. Khorasani explained his point by giving an example of how ludicrous it would be to go to a Church and ask for a “Christian sword”. While there are those in his opinion who would say that the sword is an article of faith in Islam, he states that it is the same for Christianity especially during the era of the Crusades.
Fig.2.1. Dr. Khorasani during his conversation with Miles (Source: RazmafzarTV)
The Transfer of Technology: Silah and The Silk Road
Further, into the interview, Miles, and Dr.Khorasani discuss the matter of technology transfer to Persia from India and China, given that the Silk Road passes through Persia. Dr. Khorasani goes into detail about how the subject itself is quite complex especially considering the cultural aspects which played a major role in influencing what fields of research were prioritized and what was neglected. Dr. Khorasani spoke for example about how the Ottomans were incredibly advanced with their artillery and firearms while the Persians lagged behind due to their favored methods of waging battles and strategies. Dr. Khorasani also elaborated that he is most interested in the history of weapons manufacture and material culture.
Was Damascus Steel Used? When did Persia Acquire Rifled Muskets? Persian Rockets?!
If you would like to know more about them, make sure to check the videos and support us on Patreon! It was a pleasure meeting Dr. Khorasani and we look forward to our next discussion!
Patreon
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