The Armenian community in Isfahan was created in 1604 when Shah Abbas conducted a scorched earth military campaign against the Ottomans in the Caucuses, left many villages and the city of Julfa as smoking ruins, and deported the Armenians to Persia for his strategic and economic benefit.

Our ambassadors have their first public audience with the shah occurs on August 8, 1637, and the first private audience three weeks later. They attend many of the best parties ever, but the English merchants throw a party that surpasses the magnificence of all previous entertainments.

The Prior of the Augustine monastery complains about debauchery to Adam Olearius. Olearius complains to Ambassador Bruggeman and is threatened with murder.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit semipropilgrim.substack.com