Baba'i ben Farhad

Baba'i ben Farhad was a prominent Persian-Jewish historian, poet, and chronicler, who made significant contributions to the field of literature. His most notable work is the Kitāb-i Sar Guzasht-i Kāshān, a chronicle that documents the experiences of Jews in Kashan, Isfahan, and Hamadan, particularly during the period of forcible conversion from 1721 to 1731. This historical account provides valuable insights into the hardships faced by the Jewish community during this time, with a focus on the years 1729 and 1730.

As a member of a crypto-Jewish family, Baba'i ben Farhad practiced Judaism in private while outwardly professing Islam. His work was influenced by his grandfather, Baba'i ben Lotf, a notable historian in his own right. The Kitāb-i Sar Guzasht-i Kāshān is the second known Persian-Jewish chronicle, and its creation demonstrates Baba'i ben Farhad's commitment to preserving the history and experiences of his community. Through his writing, he has left a lasting legacy as a chronicler of the Persian-Jewish experience, offering a unique perspective on a significant period in history.