Ispahani family in Pakistan

Mirza Ahmad Ispahani (Urdu: ) or M A Ispahani was the first and longest serving chairman of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from its inception until 1962. In the days when Pakistan was still in the offing (June 1946) Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, requested Mr. M.A. Ispahani, a leading industrialist, to set up a national airline, on priority basis. Orient Airways Ltd., registered in Calcutta city of British India on 23 October 1946 was established by Mr. M.A. Ispahani. After independence of Pakistan, Orient Airways transferred its base to Pakistan and established the vital, link between Karachi and Dacca, the two capitals of the two wings of Pakistan. Orient Airways was a privately owned company, with limited capital and resources. It could not be expected to grow and expand on its own. It was then that the Government of Pakistan decided to form a state-owned airline and invited Orient Airways to merge with it. The outcome of the merger was the birth of a new airline, named Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on 11 March, 1955. PIA's wide-body aircraft maintenance hangar at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi has been named in honor of Mr. Mirza Ahmad Ispahani. Haji Mohammed Hashem (1789-1850) the founder of The House of Ispahani, moved from Ispahan (now Esfahan), Persia to Bombay in 1820 and established what was to become one of the most respected business concerns of the Sub-Continent. The Ispahani family subsequently expanded to include a broad range of businesses stretching from Bombay in the west, to Madras in the south and Burma in the east. His grandson Haji Mirza Mehdy Ispahani (1841-1913) moved the corporate headquarters to Madras. He also spent twelve years in Cairo expandin... More: http: //booksllc.net/?id=4725457

Polish emigrants in Isfahan (1942 - 1945)

Polish emigrants in Isfahan (1942 - 1945)

translate from: http://www.vaterland.pl/865,polscy_emigranci_w_isfahanie_1942_1945.html

The title of this article may at first cause surprise, because what do they have in common so distant countries like Poland and Iran? While the tragedy that hit Poland during World War II, in addition to widely discussed in various positions with the West, often forget about the poor Iran. However, Polish relations - Iran has its source far in the past.

The first attempts diplomatic already been taken during the reign of King Stefan Batory when Persia ruled Izmail II. Negotiations for a joint expedition against Turkey Poles led deputies through the Venetian. In 1647 the age of Abbas II wrote a letter to George Ossoliński assuring him of his kindness. Message to Isfahan arrived in the Republic, primarily have signature for commercial purposes. The Persians referred to the positive these contacts because of the desire to expand exports of silk fabrics and carpets. European countries have also tried to pull Persia to the Holy League (with, among others to Mr Zagorski). However, these efforts have not been successful because the then ruler of Safi II was not willing to start a conflict with a powerful neighbor. The Poles and the Persians fought shoulder to shoulder in the nineteenth century (eg 1836 in Herat).

In this paper, I would like to focus on a little-known fact, acceptance of Poles fleeing the Soviet Union by the Iranian nation in the years 1942-1945. I think it was a very important phenomenon, now sadly marginalized.

Pre-war period falls in the history of Iran Reza Shah governments (1925-1941). This time we know in history as a period of reform and change despite the fact that in their business Reza Shah would be modeled on Atatürku, he had no ability to pay for doing so, or civilization. Although life was quiet, country tormented by poverty and illiteracy. More than this, due to the significant control of the oil industry by the British company, the Iranians did not benefit fully from their own natural resources. Reza Shah ruled almost despotically, apart from political opponents, as well as religious as exemplified by the massacre of the crowd in Mashhad in 1935.

Shah negatively referring to the UK because of national interests, but a large sympathy bestowed the Third Reich, which he saw as likely ally in the struggle with England. Therefore, before the war in Iran, there were many German agents. When the Allies sent a note to Iran for permission to supply equipment to the Soviet Union, the ruler of delaying the decision brought disaster to the country. 25 August 1941, British troops marched into deposing the ruler of Iran, amounting to the throne his own son Muhammad Reze. Included the British sphere of influence south and the Soviet north of the country. Iranian state sovereignty was not until the end of the war.

September 1, 1939 the Third Reich launched aggression against Poland. September 17 five hundred thousand Soviet troops crossed the border and launched an invasion of the Republic. Between the two aggressors signed a pact under which the expected liquidation of the Polish state and set the border on the line of San-Bug-Narew-Pisa. In the area inhabited by the Soviet Union zagarniętym 13 million Polish citizens. Although the decision was made very early in the deportation of the Polish population in the Soviet Union (5 December 1939), the first mass deportations were carried out during the night from 9 to 10 February 1940. Another deportation was carried out 4 times, according to the researchers estimated that resettled to Kazakhstan and Siberia about 309-318 thousand. people (according to the Soviet army convoy data). Polish soldiers, prisoners of war and interned in the Soviet Union there were around 130 thousand.

All deportations took place in a planned way, victims have very little time to gather the necessary luggage and then immediately transported them to the train stations. I should add that so horrible conditions the victims of Soviet terror was accompanied from the outset. In that deportation in February there was frost, and the people pumped for freight trains in unimaginable crowd. People were transported in hunger and terrible sanitary conditions. The destructive work in collective farms and the minimum dose of food killed many Poles. The change came only after two years, this remarkable breakthrough was the agreement Sikorski - Maisky.

The pact between General Wladyslaw Sikorski and Ambassador Ivan Maisky was signed in London July 30, 1941. Despite the many shortcomings and ambiguities in the text, agreement has been concluded under pressure from the British. The result was an amnesty announced by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet 12 August 1941. Under the agreement, the Soviet Union released from prisons and camps 340 thousand. Poles. The commander of the Polish army in the Middle East was Gen. Brig. Joseph Hare, who met with Sikorski in Tehran on November 26. Polish army had initially expected 25 thousand. soldiers, but in September the number of volunteers exceeded the limit. The state of the army was not good. Soldiers often came ill. In 1942, the movement began to Polish units Asian republics. Excess over 44 thousand soldiers. had to be evacuated to Iran, the Persian transported 33 thousand. soldiers, 10 thousand. civilians.

To bring the Poles will travel conditions include the use of written memories of one of the children Irena Isfahan Beaupre-Stankiewicz contained in the book "Isfahan City of Polish Children."

Difficult travel conditions and stay in Russia describes almost everyone who was there during the war. Not only did the Polish army lacked everything. Civilians often suffer from different diseases. Many who have never met the author escaped from the Soviet Union. Tired wanderers as weather conditions, night awesome hot and cold at night. Irena Beupre-Stankiewicz recalls terrifying crossing of Krasnovodsk (whence flowed usually ships with the Poles to Iran) by the sea, the overloaded boats. The conditions on the water perfectly summed actresses who let me quote: "Water was not, and gathered supplies for canteens very quickly exhausted. Paragraph was one the hundreds of people most of whom had diarrhea. "In the absence of water, those that could afford to buy new wine. The ship was going to many patients, who are often trampled. So you can imagine that the people who made the ordeal associated with travel to the Soviet Union, the port of Phlavi was almost a paradise, where wanderers could wash and eat.

Not all roads lead to Iran by sea. The second alternative route ran through Kopet Dag from Ashgabat straight to Meszhedy, this route came almost 3 thousand. persons. However, the Poles Phlevi transported to Tehran as did British General Purpose trasport (GPT). A lot of information about the initial problems with transport and other logistical issues report reveals Colonel Ross. The Poles were transported Tehran to Isfahan.

Isfahan is an ancient city located at an altitude of 1524 meters above sea level It lies south of Tehran, is an important point on the route through Iran. The city's history dates back to Achemenidzkich. In 1235 years it has been damaged by the Mongols. The urban center buildings dynasty brought many Timurydów after going to Shiism, erecting there an unusual architecture. Splendor of the city is for the period Safawidzki, when Shah Abbas I moved his capital there from Kazwinu. Golden times for this beautiful city quickly passed, they began to persecute minorities, and 1722 years was attacked by the Afghans by which suffered heavy losses. On another increase have to wait until the beginning of the reign of Reza Shah.

"Isfahańskie trees, isfahańskie clones

Muslim leaves Isfahańskich singing -

And sadly daybreak morning rozmodlony

Isfahańskich clones Muslim trees. "

Went to Isfahan 250 people (10/04/1942), but the Poles were coming more and more and the center has increased the number of inhabitants to 2600, mainly children, orphans and semi-orphans. The war finished off mentally many adults, let alone tell the children, so called centers, orphanages, but not boarding, most often in the naming of manipulating numbers.

Initially, the children were well fed, but with time and the food has gone downhill. Lacked the equipment for everyday use. Therefore, it was decided that the Poles will produce needed items. The most important workshop to mention sewing room, which had as many as 16 machines. In Isfahan also operated Polish bakery, steam in the building next to where the pigs were raised.

Porozmieszczane bets at different points in the city, 5 Avenue Czahar Bagh, 7 Dżulfie Armenian district, and the other streets, alleys often. Over time, children grow so some plants were closed down. There was a good atmosphere, young people have a variety of activities, which will write more below. Now briefly on the different plants for the children.

Noteworthy is the plant number 1 It was founded in the palace of Prince Soremidoule with his consent. The advantage of this facility was a large garden. Apparently, one day, unruly children playing in the Indian prince stole pawiom pen. Another important site is the plant number. 2 SS Charity. Antonia says Proniewicz-Twardowska stay with the sisters very well. He was lying on the boulevard near the mosque, Sheikh Bahai Mother Shah. Next to the monastery was a beautiful garden. Hundred of girls staying there at the expense of the Holy Father. The plant was in elementary school and junior high school for girls. Plant No. 3 Salesian led OO. Lived there 40 boys held by the Vatican. Baghu Czahar near the plant was number 9, which housed the school. Also of interest are the plant number 17 The owner of the building was a wealthy Persian. After I heard what happened to young Poles, he rented his house on a bet. There inhabited younger children between 3 and 12 years of age. The plant number 10 was in kindergarten, at number 6, and 12 elementary schools were located. They were a very important part of staying Polish children in Isfahan, which is why they devote more space in this work.

Upon arrival of the first children to Isfahan, started learning very quickly. Of course, not possessed books and benches were only temporary. May 5, 1942 was established "for the purposes of the Commission School of Polish education organization in Iran". While in most children stayed simultaneously operated 10 schools. Taught the program before 1939, often using only the memory of teachers. Books provided at the end of Polish publishing house in Palestine. Children were taught English and Persian in some groups. Opened several vocational schools. Taught tailoring the plant number 6, etching in copper and silver in the 15 and in the 17th dywaniarstwa Carpet Binding is work that requires much attention, time, and patience, even though the women had a great deal with this radziły. Young girls Weaved some carpets, which can still be seen for example in the institute. Gen. Sikorski. A very important event was the final examinations for the older girls, to which the old 26 and 28 February 1945. All candidates passed.

One of the things that has always accompanied the Polish tułaczom was religion. Best reflect the words of the memories of Irena Juchniewicz-petrological "trzymałyśmy clinging to faith and prayer. Zaczynałyśmy prayer and kończyłyśmy school day (...), fervently prayed, thanking God for the miraculous rescue, (...) Holy Masses., Litanies, novenas were often spontaneous impulses, the need of the heart (...) ". One of the surviving pictures shows a large group of children along with their teachers after the first Holy Communion ceremony., Other processions in All Souls' Day. In 1943, in the church of SS Charity founded array representing the Virgin Mary and an eagle. The text engraved on a pink marble reads "Queen of Poland, pray for us" and "Children of the Polish in the chapel of Our Lady homage in the years of exile. Isfahan - Iran. " Celebrated all the important Catholic holidays, like Christmas and Easter. Barbara Stankiewicz describes one such vigil, during which the girls were given the necessary utensils and fruit to school. The table also includes the Christmas Polish dishes, and after dinner we all went to the shepherdess. In Isfahan, there was the Polish Scouting Association (ZHP). The first team was established 28/07/1942.

In every life, outside of work, and science must also find time for entertainment. It is extremely important for the proper development of children and youth. One of the entertainments arrivals were important people, visiting young people in Esfahan. Barbara Stankiewicz says that in the 1942 years establishments visited the papal delegate, Archbishop J. heliopolitański Marina, General Karaszewicz-Tokarzewski. May 11 came the English king's brother His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester. However, one of the highlights was a visit to the Shah and his wife 6/11/1943. Sophia Jarmulska mention a great event. They were all smartly dressed in national costumes. Shah and his wife, was still young made a big impression on the shelves. The next meeting of the children of Isfahan took place on 29 September 1974, is a very emotional event took place in the UK, where the Shah and his wife met again with former pupils of Polish companies in Iran.

Between centers kursował bus, which could reach the swimming pool, steam bath. Also organized many tours often documented photos. One of the most important expeditions was that to Persepolis. At the beginning of the youth visited Pasargada, where is the tomb of Cyrus the Great, then the ruins of the ancient capital.

Among the Poles in Isfahan were many amateur sport, so organized a swimming competition, cycling, youth playing football and volleyball. In Tehran held a football match between the Poles and the Iranians, which the Poles won in a ratio of 3:1. Name-organized and birthday. Also celebrated all the holidays.

In Iran, issued a newspaper, but having no Polish fonts. More eminent in Tehran issued a "Pole in Iran", "Call", "our friend" in Jerusalem issued "Polish Gazeta" But the achievements of Polish refugees is not just newspapers. The Society of Iranian Studies, whose president was prof. Stanislaw Kościałkowski of the Stefan Batory University. Harvest Institute is a lot of reading, 3 volumes, "Iranian studies" and many articles.

Contacts with the local population were very limited. As we have seen politicians, various important figures were in favor of Polish refugees, however, in everyday relations at a time when the Persian culture in Poland is not heard nothing, or very little, some of the barriers could not be avoided. Persians in Isfahan are often not able to tolerate the Polish Women's clothing (though very modestly dressed) because they were not used to it culturally. So often girls on the streets accompanied by taunts from the Persians, sometimes offensive. Janina Niedziłka even mention the incident where women were pelted with stones and berets were picked them off. Shopkeepers isfahańscy quickly learned simple phrases in Polish to sell their wares, as well as begging children. Persian princes often invited young girls to the palaces. Irena Beaupre also describes a religious festival during which the Persians whip and sing, maybe celebrate Ashura.

Time passed very quickly, the war ended slowly and we had to think about going back. In the town of Ahwaz was a transit camp for Poles. Thus, the path of refugees to spread, leading to India, Africa, New Zealand and Lebanon for civilians to soldiers in Iraq and Palestine.

Ahwaz (Ahvaz) is the capital Kuzystanu, lying on a desert plain, and that this is due very high summer temperatures. It is one of the oldest cities in Iran, flourished the Sassanid, then captured by the Arabs, in the nineteenth century, the city began to decline again, reborn after the discovery of oil fields in the twentieth century. Temporary camp was established in 1942, the first truck pretended to Qom and from there people were transported by train to Ahwazu.

The international situation has changed, the London authorities did not recognize the new government in Poland, so there is a question where to locate the Poles who traveled from Iran. Lebanon seemed the most appropriate place, and after successful negotiations initiated transport. They overcame the road from Baghdad to Beirut, thus able to carry 4,200 people. At that time, Iran was only 300 people and eliminating facility załatwiających other matters related to the administration. Polish centers were in Ajaltoun, Baabdad, Bdaboun, Bhamdoun and Ghazir. Next Poles traveled to the United Kingdom (3.562 people), some have decided to return to the Polish (607 people). The Fate of Poles in Lebanon in the years 1946 - 1947 are not the subject of this sketch.

Thus ended the Polish migrant community in Iran. Friendships contained in exile are maintained to this day, although the way of life led immigrants in different parts of the world. In the 60s and 70s there were many reunions of former pupils and students of these schools. Some of them returned to Iran after years. This allows you to call Isfahan "City of Polish Children."

The labors of Russia, until hot Iran, which despite its problems with dignity and hospitality typical of Persian Polish immigrants adopted. And then, when Europe ended the war slowly forgetting about her crimes, Polish exiles in the world moved on. But ties between the date of Poland and Iran are very strong. We should not forget that, especially today.

"Spilled to sea - sandy shore

Hope my feet sinking fatigue ...

Somewhere behind the roar of the ship ... On the front of the whistle

Palm trees lean in the eternal sigh.

In the distance is expensive and eastern signpost

After which I will go into the world of trail Darius. -

Tents are white as the hair of concern

And strangely the underworld wants to move the soul.

And tomorrow again took in foreign lands me

And those of Phlevi rozśpiewają the birds. -

I leave ... Where an end to my wanderings, I do not know

Because they are still in front of me the road and trails. "

Bibliography

First Bohdan Składanek, History of Persia, London 2007 Publisher Academic Dialogue, Vol third

Second Irena Beaupre-Stankiewicz, Danuta Waszczuk-Kamieniecka, Jadwiga Lewicka-Howells, Isfahan City Polish Children, London, 1987, Wheel Polish Schools Alumni Isfahan and Lebanon.

3rd Krystyna Kersten, Repatriation Polish population after World War II, Wroclaw 1974.

4th Krzysztof Persak and Paul Machcewicz, World War II, Warsaw 2010.

5th Collective Work, The Chronicle of Polish uprisings, Warsaw 1994, Koronika.

6th WB Fisher, The Cambridge History of Iran, Vol 1, The Land.

7th Peter Zaron, the Polish Army in the Soviet Union, the Middle East, London, 1981.

8th Date of access 15/03/2011 http://www.iranica.com/articles/ahvaz-a-town-of-southwestern-iran.

The story of two doors

Miniatour in Trough

Tile work and Miniatour painting, two traditional arts that have a long history in Esfahan, is shown together in a small pool at the old Esfahan bazaar.

Scissors Manufacturer

Ali Talakoub manufactures scissors, an instrument used for gold handicraft industry in Esfahan bazaar. He works in this place for over 70 years.

Retirement Age on the Bench

Isfahan had an industrial based economy in the most years of twentieth century. Now, commercial economy is dominated. Many of pre-workers  spend their times with together on the park and streets' benches. bicycles is also a sign of Isfahanies textile workers of 1930s-1960s. This is khawjoo Street in center of Isfahan.  

Wall and Motorcycles

The wall of a building in the bazaar district is a parking place for sellers. The motorcycles are the favorite vehicle for activist in crowded bazaar.   

Mending in the Great Mosque

The construction of a curved frame for mending of the Shah Mosque's tomb. This is the greatest tiled tomb in the world.

Lining Up for Poultry

Shortage and dearth of poultry has caused long linings at state's stores. One kilogeram poultry is about 75000 Rls (4$) and in state stores about 47000 Rls (2.5$).