The passing of European tourists and travelers to Iran, their visits and their writings about the way of life, quality, and traditions of the simple folk as well as the men of the court, princes, and Shah’s, are valuable sources to us.
Chardine, the French traveler who visited Iran during the reign of Shah Abbas II, and especially its royal palaces and manors and mansions is one of the numerous travelers narrating Iran. He writes in his travelogue about the feast held in the Chehel Sotun:”these celebrations were held for five days, which five of the things happening there is quite interesting.
First, the presence of about 250 to 300 high ranking and especial personalities, dressed in rich clothes fitting their job, and Second, the guests’ silence, formality, and the silence of all present. Third: the agility of the servants in making and picking the table, and cleaning it. Fourth: the exceptional discipline of the celebration, in which there exists no confusion or sound. Fifth: praise and admiration for the large fortune spent on displaying expensive dishes.”
