Shir Mohammad Kerbali: A trader in the village markets of Mazandaran

Abstract

The article is a brief sketch of some of the activities of a trader, Shir Mohammad Kerbali, in the weekly market cycle in the province of Mazandaran in northern Iran. The markets are all near the city of Babol located in the central part of the province. Some attempt is made to provide historical depth to the trader's activities in order to show the nature of the role of the small trader; namely, that his activities are based upon long experience, that there is a stated reluctance to change while at the same time evidence of the unique ability to adapt to outside influences. The role of the petty trader as "pawn" or victim is also explored and questioned.