History of Tea Production in Iran ☕🇮🇷
Tea is one of the most popular beverages in Iran, with a rich and fascinating history. Although coffee was the primary drink in Iran until the 19th century, difficulties in importing coffee from Arab countries led to the gradual replacement of tea.
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The Introduction of Tea to Iran
During the Safavid dynasty, tea was first introduced to Iran through trade relations with China and India, but it did not become widely consumed. In the Qajar era, increased diplomatic and commercial interactions with Russia and India made tea more popular, especially among the nobility and the royal court.
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The Beginning of Tea Cultivation in Iran – The Role of “Kashif al-Saltaneh”
✅ Mohammad Mirza Kashif al-Saltaneh, known as the Father of Iranian Tea, played a crucial role in promoting tea cultivation.
✅ In the late 19th century, while serving as Iran’s consul in India, he learned about tea cultivation and processing.
✅ After gaining sufficient knowledge, he secretly brought tea seeds and plants from India to Iran, as the British had banned tea exports.
✅ After testing different regions, he discovered that northern Iran (particularly Gilan and Mazandaran provinces) had the best climate for tea cultivation.
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Expansion of the Tea Industry During the Pahlavi Era
✅ During the reign of Reza Shah Pahlavi, Iran’s tea industry developed significantly, and tea processing factories were established in northern Iran.
✅ The government supported domestic tea cultivation, reducing Iran’s dependence on imported tea.
✅ Over time, Iranian tea became the country’s most widely consumed traditional beverage.
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The Current Status of Iranian Tea
📌 Today, Iranian tea is produced without chemical additives or artificial colors, making it one of the healthiest teas in the world.
📌 The provinces of Gilan and Mazandaran are the main tea-producing regions, with Lahijan known as the tea capital of Iran.
📌 Iranian tea is valued for its natural taste, mild aroma, and health benefits, making it a favorite among tea enthusiasts.
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Conclusion
🔹 Thanks to the efforts of Kashif al-Saltaneh and government support, tea cultivation has become a major agricultural industry in Iran.
🔹 Iranian tea is not only an essential part of the country’s culture and traditions, but it is also one of the purest and most natural teas in the world, free from artificial additives.
☕ Enjoy a cup of Iranian tea and savor its authentic flavor!