The Outbreak of Influenza in the Western Provinces of Iran during the Qajar Era: Based on Reports from Akhtar Newspaper

Authors

1 (Corresponding Author), PhD in Islamic History and Visiting Lecturer, Department of History, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran

2 PhD in History of Islamic Iran, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran.

10.22111/jhr.2025.51282.3766

Abstract

The spread of diseases has always been one of the main concerns of mankind, which, in proportion to its scientific advances, has identified various diseases and provided solutions for their prevention and treatment. The identification of some diseases, including influenza, dates back to the Qajar era. During this period, newspapers included a wide range of topics, including diseases, to reflect the health status of the community. In this study, the authors, using a descriptive-analytical method and benefiting from unpublished archival documents and relying on reports from the Akhtar newspaper, intend to answer these questions: What are the factors that caused the spread of influenza in the western provinces of Iran during the Qajar era from the perspective of the Akhtar newspaper? And what role did this newspaper play in informing and educating, preventing and treating influenza? The findings of this study show that cold weather, foreign contacts, population density, lack of hygiene, and living with animals were the main factors behind the spread of this disease in the western provinces of Iran during the Qajar era. This newspaper has made an effort to spread information by raising awareness about this disease, emphasizing the need to limit social relationships when it occurs, and by providing recommendations such as strengthening the immune system, avoiding high-fat foods when infected, using medicinal herbs, and avoiding the cold, it has played its role in controlling the disease and treating it, especially in urban areas.

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References

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Journal of Historical Researches of Iran and Islam
Volume 18, Issue 35 - Serial Number 35
November 2025
Pages 208-232

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History

  • Receive Date: 24 May 2024
  • Revise Date: 13 August 2024
  • Accept Date: 29 September 2024

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