gems, Europe, Middle Ages, Central Asia, Persia, Iran, trade, gem trade

Europe left its mark in medieval and premodern Persian texts. But to what extent did these traces reflect the reality of European practices and knowledge? Drawing on a study of Persian texts that depict Europe in geographical, commercial, technical, or even mythical terms, the author explores how these writings contribute to our understanding of European knowledge concerning gemstones and precious stones, jewelry, metals, chess or backgammon, and more. In doing so, he lays the groundwork for scholars of global or connected history, who often engage in writing the history of history itself.