Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 513 Exhibition

For Iran's top leadership, maintaining diplomatic stability and domestic development is important, but for ordinary people, the upcoming international trade fair has caught their attention.

The Iran International Trade Fair is a large-scale exhibition that integrates several industrial fairs, held annually. The first fair was held in Tabriz in 1862. From its inception to its conclusion, it attracted 50 visitors from both domestic and international locations, breaking previous records.

This is the fifth time the expo has been held, and the venue has been chosen to be Baghdad. In order to gain more attention for the new capital, this year's expo has gone all out, using more than 800 million riyals and expecting 100 million visitors.

"It seems like it really cost a lot of money."

The first thing Sadiq did upon returning to Iran after being promoted to Vice Minister of Industry and Commerce was to check on the Baghdad Expo, which the Shah and other ministers would be attending. Therefore, no mistakes could be tolerated.

A large number of companies will be participating this time, and they will be showcasing some new things. I wonder what they are?

Sadiq entered the venue, where setup had already begun. From agricultural products to industrial goods, as well as international commodities from Prussia, Austria, France, Britain, and Spain, it was sure to be a bustling place.

"Get ready quickly, these are for the exhibition. There can be no carelessness."

A familiar voice came from behind him. Sadiq turned his head and saw that the person looked so familiar.
"Suleiman?"

The other person turned around upon hearing the voice, and it really was him.

"Sadig, what brings you here?"

He spoke of this with considerable pride, saying, "I have been transferred back to the government and appointed as the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce."

"Oh my god, that's really great."

Iran's industrial development in recent years has propelled the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to become the fourth largest ministry after Finance, Interior, and Foreign Affairs. The appointment of Sadiq as Vice Minister of Industry and Commerce underscores the government's high regard for the ministry.

"I have to thank you for this. Without your investment, I'm afraid I wouldn't have been able to achieve what I have and be transferred back."

Sumatra's achievements are inseparable from the investments of these businessmen, who, of course, reaped substantial returns. Suleiman's investments yielded enormous profits, and his textile company's revenue repeatedly reached new highs.

"Haha, come on, have a drink!"

They raised their glasses and toasted to their success. "By the way, what new products are you showcasing this time?"

A sly glint flashed in Suleiman's eyes. He set down his glass and lowered his voice mysteriously, "Follow me." He led Sadiq through the booth that was being set up, where workers were busy pushing a massive machine covered in deep red velvet into the exhibition area. With a snap of Suleiman's fingers, two assistants abruptly lifted the velvet cloth—a steam-powered textile machine, as tall as a two-story building, gleamed under the gaslight, its brass pipes and cast iron gears flashing with the cold light characteristic of the industrial age.

“My God!” Sadiq exclaimed unconsciously, using a Christian exclamation, his fingers tracing the Persian inscription on the machine: “Specially manufactured by the Royal Machine Works of Isfahan, 1866.” Suleiman proudly flipped a gilded lever, and the machine immediately emitted a deep hum, its sixteen spindles spinning simultaneously, turning cotton into fine thread at a speed imperceptible to the naked eye. “This was specially designed for Persian long-staple cotton; its efficiency is three times that of British machines,” he patted the side of the machine, “and it uses an automatic lubrication system improved by Shiraz engineers.”

A sudden commotion arose in the distance. A team of technicians in Prussian military uniforms were carefully carrying a glass case into the exhibition hall, inside which was displayed a rifle gleaming with a blue light. "A new product from the Prussian arms factory," Suleiman said with a smirk, "but our military representatives will soon be showcasing something even more impressive." He pointed to the other end of the exhibition hall, where several Persian engineers were adjusting a peculiar device—a rotating weapon consisting of six barrels, with a base connected to a steam-powered unit.

“The ‘Shahwind’ from the Royal Arsenal,” Suleiman said with pride in his eyes, “can fire two hundred rounds per minute, specifically for guarding border fortresses.” Sadig suddenly noticed the intricately engraved Shahnameh verses on the barrel, and this combination of ancient civilization and modern killing machine sent a chill down his spine.

They walked past the French perfume booth that was being set up, and the air was immediately filled with the mixed scent of roses and saffron. An Englishman wearing a monocle was showing a peculiar machine to the Persian officials: "This is the latest telegraph machine; we use it to send and receive messages every day at our London headquarters." His Persian suddenly faltered, clearly not expecting to encounter two high-ranking officials.

"what happened to him?"

"Maybe he thinks we'll take his things!"

The British merchant's face turned deathly pale, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. Suleiman promptly changed the subject: "Go take a look at the agricultural exhibition area; our newly cultivated saffron will make the Venetian merchants weep."

The agricultural exhibition area was filled with the fresh scent of earth and plants. Saffron plants, cultivated in silver pots, bloomed under specially made glass domes, each with a magnifying glass beside it to allow for observation of their slender red flower pillars. “Thanks to the improvements made by the University of Tabriz,” Suleiman explained softly, “the yield per hectare has increased significantly, and the pigment content in the flower pillars…” His words were interrupted by a gasp of surprise.

The crowd surged toward the central display stand—where a huge crystal container held a pale golden liquid. A sign beside the container read in Persian, Arabic, and French: "Petroleum Refining Sample, 1866."

"What a beautiful color!" Sadig was captivated by it.

"This is a gift from Baku. The Shah values ​​them so much, how could he not reciprocate?"

As night fell, thousands of gaslights illuminated the exposition site, turning the entire exhibition area as bright as day. Sadiq stood by the central fountain, watching merchants from various countries move between the booths. A French silk merchant paused in awe before a Persian carpet, while an Austrian officer marveled at the new rifle. Suddenly, a mechanical device rose from the fountain—a water-powered display of twelve Imam statues, each holding a miniature model representing a different industry, slowly rotating amidst the lights and mist.

"Cheers to Persia." Sadiq raised his crystal glass, the pomegranate juice glowing like blood under the lamplight. The crescent and star flags on the Expo dome fluttered in the night wind, the lions on them seeming to leap into the new industrial age under the gaslights.

(End of this chapter)