The phenomenon of ta’arof is one of the most distinctive elements of Iranian culture, whose diverse manifestations can be vividly observed in historical and literary texts, particularly in the travelogues of the Qajar era. Travel writers of this period—both those recounting their lived experiences and those observing Iranian society from an outsider’s perspective—provide extensive descriptions of social relations, power dynamics, rituals of hospitality, economic exchanges, and administrative interactions, in many of which ta’arof plays a significant role. Employing a qualitative content analysis approach and focusing on a selection of notable Qajar travelogues, this study explores the different manifestations of ta’arof, the mechanisms underlying its formation, and the social functions embedded within this practice. The findings indicate that ta’arof in these travel narratives is not merely an everyday act of politeness but a cultural mechanism that regulates social relationships, manages power distance, preserves social dignity, and reinforces communal solidarity. Iranian travel writers generally regard ta’arof as a natural and essential aspect of social life, interpreting it within the framework of cultural norms and collective identity. In contrast, European observers often approach the concept with fascination, confusion, or even misunderstanding, attempting to interpret it through their own cultural paradigms and at times portraying it as exaggerated, overly intricate, or impractical. Examining the representation of ta’arof in Qajar travelogues thus provides deeper insight into the social structure of nineteenth‑century Iran and the ways it was perceived and depicted by both insiders and outsiders. This analysis not only clarifies the symbolic and social functions of ta’arof but also contributes to a more nuanced understanding of intercultural perception and the reflective nature of travel writing in Iranian studies.
Aghazadeh, J., Mohsenzadegan, S., & Jabbari Parvin, S. (2025). The representation of Ta’arof in European travelogues of the Qajar era: From social etiquette to cultural misunderstanding. Politics in the Mirror of History, 2(3), 43-54. doi: 10.30466/jhf.2026.57091.1070
MLA
Jafar Aghazadeh; Sepideh Mohsenzadegan; Samaneh Jabbari Parvin. "The representation of Ta’arof in European travelogues of the Qajar era: From social etiquette to cultural misunderstanding", Politics in the Mirror of History, 2, 3, 2025, 43-54. doi: 10.30466/jhf.2026.57091.1070
HARVARD
Aghazadeh, J., Mohsenzadegan, S., Jabbari Parvin, S. (2025). 'The representation of Ta’arof in European travelogues of the Qajar era: From social etiquette to cultural misunderstanding', Politics in the Mirror of History, 2(3), pp. 43-54. doi: 10.30466/jhf.2026.57091.1070
VANCOUVER
Aghazadeh, J., Mohsenzadegan, S., Jabbari Parvin, S. The representation of Ta’arof in European travelogues of the Qajar era: From social etiquette to cultural misunderstanding. Politics in the Mirror of History, 2025; 2(3): 43-54. doi: 10.30466/jhf.2026.57091.1070
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