
A mischievous young Persian, Hajji Baba, wanders through the bustling streets of Ispahan, eager to make his fortune and win the affection of the beautiful Zubeida. With a quick wit and a talent for exaggeration, he spins tall tales that charm merchants, courtiers, and the occasional unsuspecting foreign envoy. His escapades offer a vivid, humorous snapshot of everyday life, from bustling bazaars to lavish royal festivities, all narrated with a playful, slightly satirical tone.
As Hajji Baba’s schemes grow bolder, he finds himself tangled in a web of cultural misunderstandings and rivalries that test his resourcefulness. The narrative captures the colorful customs, witty banter, and vivid personalities that populate early‑19th‑century Persia, inviting listeners to glimpse a world of opulent courts and lively street markets. Through his eyes, the story becomes both an entertaining adventure and a gentle portrait of a society both exotic and remarkably human.
Language
en
Duration
~17 hours (994K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by James Tenison and David Widger
Release date
2007-05-05
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

d. 1849
Best known for the lively Hajji Baba novels, this British diplomat-turned-writer drew on years spent in Persia to create sharp, often satirical stories that introduced many English readers to Qajar Iran. His travel writing and fiction blend firsthand observation with the attitudes and politics of the early 19th century.
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