Journal of Socio-Cultural Studies of Khorasan

Journal of Socio-Cultural Studies of Khorasan

Labor Conditions in the Abkooh Sugar Factory (1936–1946) As Narrated by the Documents of the Astan Quds Razavi

Author
peiman abolbashari
Assistant Professor, Department of History Faculty of Literature, Neyshabur State University.Iran
10.22034/fakh.2025.504544.1714
Abstract
Introduction
During the early Pahlavi era, Iran underwent significant economic changes. The establishment of factories, a long-unrealized ambition from the Qajar period, became a reality. Among the key industrial initiatives was the creation of sugar factories, intended to showcase Iran’s economic independence from Russia. The Abkooh Sugar Factory in Mashhad, founded in 1935 (Shamsi), emerged as one of the most prominent of these facilities. This study examines the relationship between the workforce and the Abkooh Sugar Factory, focusing on its impact on workers’ welfare.
Methodology
This study adopts a historical research approach, drawing on archival documents from the Astan Quds Razavi archives and oral history interviews to explore the occupational experiences of employees at the Abkooh Sugar Factory during the first Pahlavi era. By integrating written and oral sources, the research provides a comprehensive analysis and reconstruction of the interactions between workers and the factory.
 
Findings
The analysis reveals that the Abkooh Sugar Factory’s management implemented several welfare initiatives to enhance workforce well-being and productivity. Key measures included:

Healthcare Programs: The factory established a medical department, ensuring 100% of workers had access to healthcare services. Regular health check-ups were conducted, emphasizing the prevention of workplace-related illnesses.
Educational Initiatives: Technical schools were created to train employees, with 75% of workers participating in skill development programs designed to enhance expertise and support career advancement.
Living Conditions: Over 60% of employees benefited from improved housing and sanitation facilities on factory premises, leading to enhanced living standards.
Monitoring and Safety: Workplace safety was prioritized, with 85% of workers expressing satisfaction with measures such as protective equipment and training on occupational hazards.

These initiatives not only elevated workers’ quality of life but also contributed to the factory’s long-term operational success by fostering a healthier, more skilled, and motivated workforce.
 
Discussion and Conclusion
During the first Pahlavi era, industrial modernization and the proliferation of factories, notably the Abkooh Sugar Factory, significantly transformed Iran’s social and economic landscape. The Abkooh Sugar Factory not only excelled in sugar production but also set a precedent in workforce management through innovative recruitment, training, and welfare initiatives. Its focus on health and education yielded enduring positive outcomes, enhancing workers’ well-being and contributing to the factory’s sustained success.
 Acknowledgments
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Azari Khakster and Mr. Nazarzadeh, oral history experts at the Astan Quds Razavi Department and the head of the respective collection, for their invaluable cooperation in prioritizing and evaluating the oral history interviews.
Keywords
Abkouh Sugar Factory
workers
employees
beet growers
Mashhad

Subjects

References
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List of Documents, Organization of Libraries, Museums, and Center of Documents, Astan Quds Razavi, Document Number
Numbers:
173484, 173483, 173802, 173484, 173362, 173604, 173624, 173803, 173338, 173602,
173827, 173823, 173421, 173421, 173308, 173377, 173461, 173418, 173419, 173790,
173844, 173448, 173844, 173821, 173844, 173464, 173464, 173427, 173813, 173812,
173407, 173469, 173489, 173351, 173848, 173653, 173315, 173315, 173448, 173470,
173833, 173314, 173461, 173809, 173368, 173368, 173476, 173420, 173420, 173831,
173666, 173668, 173426, 173558, 173801, 173420, 173314, 173314, 173314, 173808,
173314, 173313, 173790, 173842, 173421, 173562, 173460, 173823, 173823, 173460,
173460, 173327, 173513, 173461, 173545, 173618, 173310, 173404, 173814, 173579,
173835, 173810, 173805, 173503, 173453, 173468, 173817, 173606, 173823, 173621,
173536, 173424, 173309, 173512, 173621, 173466, 173832, 173599, 173442, 173585,
173583, 173452, 173586, 173295, 173301, 173452, 173586, 173587, 173826, 173309,
173457, 173613, 17361, 173822, 173424, 173581, 173566, 173650, 173830, 173648,
173652, 173496, 173423, 173442, 173528, 173537, 173364,
Website:
Azari Khakestar, Gholamreza (2018). The Labor Movement, Mass Panic. Choqorok Website https://choqorok.com/@oralhistoryiran/e0gr
Oral History Interviews
Afroukhteh, Mohammad Ali, Interview Date: 2011
Rahimi Tabasi, Hossein, Interview Date: 2010
Fakhrnia, Gholamali, Interview Date: 2010
Meshkinian, Hossein, Interview Date: 2010
Mehri, Mohammad, Interview Date: 2010
Yazdi Tabatabai, Hossein, Interview Date: 2010

  • Receive Date 04 February 2025
  • Revise Date 04 March 2025
  • Accept Date 05 April 2025