Reasons for the Increase of Prostitution in the Safavid Era in Isfahan and the Policy of Shah Abbas I to Deal with It

Prostitution has always been a reprehensible phenomenon in Iranian society. According to historical information, this moral deviation grew and spread in Isfahan (the capital) during the reign of Shah Abbas I (1038-996 AH/1578-1629 AD). This study investigated the situation and reasons for the prevalence of prostitution in this period. Also, it aimed to how Shah Abbas managed it. We conducted a descriptive-analytical study based on interpretive historical sociology. The data collection method is library research. Three factors caused to increase prostitution in the society: "development of urban society and demographic-cultural diversity in Isfahan", "increasing wealth among courtiers", and "forced migration of Caucasian women to Isfahan". Instead of banning prostitution legally, Shah Abbas pursued a policy of taxing prostitutes -as a perverted subculture- and spending the proceeds on fire and fireworks. Although these actions were not consonant with the religious background of the Iranian and Islamic law, Shah Abbas did so that in the shadow of his undisputed political, religious and social power.