Shahr-e Farang Genus (1900(?) - 1960(?))

The Shahr-e Farang is the Iranian version of the bioscope – a multiple-lens 3D viewer of a roll of images. The term, like the Chinese Xihu jing jing, refers to the exotic West, more or less "European city." The Iranian device differs from the bioscope in having the external tube-casings for the roll (on the left and right sides of the box). They are generally made of embossed metal with a preference for gold colour (possibly thin brass). The Shahr-e Farang is included in the Optical Machine Taxonomy.

 

At this point, I am simply collecting images of them.

 

Species 1:
	Variant 1	Variant 2	Variant 3

This type has three lenses and a theatre-like frame at the top flanked by two minaret-like towers.

Species 2:
	Variant 1

This one has six lenses, like the standard Indian bioscope, and is decorated like a miniature Islamic city.

Endnotes:

Scheiwiller, Staci Gem. 2013. "Cartographic Desires: Some Reflections on the Shahr-E Farang (Peepshow) and Modern Iran." Pp. 33-54 in Performing the Iranian State: Visual Culture and Representations of Iranian Identity, Anthem Middle East Studies, edited by S. G. Scheiwiller: Anthem Press.

 

Sanjari, Pooya. 2023. "Shahr-E Farang: An Exploration of Spatial Dimension of an Iranian Peepshow Box." MA dissertation, University of Liverpool. (https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/3171321/1/201020128_Feb2023.pdf).