Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 475 Baku
"That's true, but we should still promote postal savings first, as it's the safest option."

Farmers and workers now have money, which they can deposit in postal savings accounts, and local governments can also use it for investment.

"Nothing can stop me," Musharraf said.

The government issued a notice announcing a reclassification of land and the imposition of taxes based on land classification. Simultaneously, it launched a postal savings pilot program in Tehran and Mazandran, and sent personnel to promote the policy.

Naser al-Din had by then arrived in Baku, an oil city that was now thriving. It could make a fortune just from exporting kerosene.

Of course, it's not just kerosene, but also lubricants and other products. Currently, less than 10% of oil resources are being developed; much more effort is needed.

Newspapers were full of reports about the Shah's itinerary; it's rare to see a monarch making such frequent inspections. Even Napoleon III, one of the most approachable figures in Europe, only visited military camps; he wouldn't go to the countryside to interact with farmers face-to-face.

Each oil well is extracting oil from the ground, which is then sent to processing plants to be made into other products. Nasser al-Din personally witnessed the current oil production lines; as a vital industry for Iran, he felt it was essential to take them seriously.
At the Barajane refinery, the heat emanating from the distillation towers caused the accompanying officials to constantly wipe away sweat. Workers, shirtless, used long iron hooks to adjust valves on copper pipes, through which dark brown crude oil gurgled, eventually separating into kerosene, lubricating oil, and asphalt.

The factory manager proudly displayed the latest product: "This refined kerosene produces almost no black smoke when burned, and the nobles of London are willing to pay 30% more for it." But Nasserdin's gaze was drawn to the earthenware jars piled up in the corner—they contained the residue from failed refining processes, which were being sold cheaply to farmers as pesticides.

Various petroleum products have become Iran's top export commodities, and from Japan in the east to Britain in the west, Iranian kerosene is needed for lighting.

Furthermore, Iran pays particular attention to product quality. Previously, kerosene used for lighting on the market was of inconsistent quality, producing large amounts of smoke and a pungent odor when burned, and some were even dangerous because they contained unfiltered gasoline. Iranian-produced kerosene not only solved this problem but also established sales channels. For example, horse-drawn carts loaded with the product were sent to the streets for direct sales. To open up the market to unfamiliar customers, various gifts were frequently given to consumers.

The Far East and India became rapidly growing new markets, and trading companies in Shanghai, Calcutta, and other places began advertising extensively in newspapers, selling kerosene and kerosene lamps. Even the British had to admit that they couldn't produce these products themselves and had to import them from Iran.

To promote kerosene, salespeople employed a variety of tactics, such as offering free trials of kerosene lamps, and giving away towels, soap, perfume, candy, and even some lamp oil. These kerosene lamps were not only novel in design but also much brighter than traditional candles, and they were warmly welcomed by the upper classes in various regions. They also enabled many activities that were previously impossible or unworthy of being conducted at night to take place, providing the necessary conditions for a vibrant nighttime production and life.

“How much are the workers paid now?” Naserdin asked.

“Even entry-level workers receive 480 riyals a year. Of course, skilled workers receive even more, and we also provide them with free city transportation and reimbursement for train tickets. It’s safe to say that no other company is better than us.”

This is excellent; high wages boost worker morale. Furthermore, the oilfield is equipped with hospitals, schools, and other facilities, making it convenient for workers to care for their families. Their wives also work there to supplement the family income. The company even took a remarkable step: they opened a hospital account for each worker, mandating a portion of their monthly salary to be deposited into it. When a worker falls ill or is injured, the expenses are covered by this account. This unprecedented gesture deeply moved the workers, even though their aim was to minimize worker illness so they could work continuously and generate more profit.

I remember when I visited Baku before, the rows of oil wells left a deep impression on Naserdin. These wells had many nicknames, such as "Nurse," "Golden Market," and "Devil's Market." I heard that one well called "Friendship" could gush 43,000 barrels a day for five consecutive months. This shows how abundant the local oil reserves are.

"How about this, let's go for a walk around the neighborhood. There's nothing much to see here anymore," Naserdin said after strolling around for a while.

"Yes, ma'am, I'll make the arrangements."

Sitting in the carriage, watching the farmers bustling about in the fields by the roadside, the migrant workers coming and going in the city looking for work, and the bazaar merchants selling their goods, the vibrant world of life and competition seemed to be right before my eyes.

That evening, as Naser al-Din's carriage arrived at the banquet hall entrance, he saw the mayor, accompanied by officials and local nobles, waiting there. As soon as he alighted from the carriage, the official greeted the Shah, saying, "Welcome, Shah. It is our honor to have you here." He then guided Naser al-Din into the hall.

Inside the hall, the Shah stepped forward, raised his glass, and offered a toast to the officials and nobles of Baku. "In Baku, I see prosperous people living peacefully and harmoniously. This is all thanks to the hard work of everyone present, and I express my gratitude to you all."

"Everything for the country, wishing Shah good health."

"cheers!"

After drinking the wine with everyone, Naser al-Din, led by the mayor, approached the local high-ranking officials and nobles. The mayor quietly introduced them, while the Shah offered words of encouragement and praise to each of them.

Baku's current development is something everyone wants to see, as it's the only way their quality of life can improve. And as long as the oil wells continue to generate revenue, the government's investment in the region will not decrease.

Baku's development even surpassed Tabriz at one point. As a hub connecting the north and south, Baku boasted well-developed railways and highways, and also had a shipping route from Mazandran to Baku. Countless people came here every year to study and visit. At the same time, there was a regular shipping route from Astrakhan in Russia, transporting kerosene from Baku and then grain from Astrakhan, forming such a trade cycle.

Naserdin had originally planned to stay a few more days, but he received news that the Russian Tsar was about to arrive in Sochi. He had to change his plans and take the train to his final destination.

(End of this chapter)