Touraj Atabaki - Toiling for Oil. A Social History of Petroleum in Iran
The social history of oil has occupied Touraj Atabaki for 15 years. It has been the subject of several publications in relation to migration and labour. His new book Toiling for Oil presents an exploration of the social history of petroleum in Iran, while focusing on the experiences of the people working with the commodity.
It thus offers a nuanced departure from traditional labour studies to a more comprehensive examination of the everyday fabric of the workers’ world. This includes their working and living conditions, family dynamics, access to education and healthcare, participation in leisure activities, and, crucially, their engagement in trade union and political activism.
By interrogating these dimensions, the book uncovers the complex interplay between the personal and collective facets of labour, painting a vivid portrait of life within the Iranian oil industry. It also examines the formation of the working class in Iran, exploring how industrial labour shaped and was shaped by broader social and political currents. Furthermore, Toiling for Oil situates these localised developments within a broader framework, critically engaging with the political and social transformations occurring in Khuzestan, across Iran, and beyond—encompassing regional and global contexts.
Through extensive archival research, Touraj Atabaki explored materials from archives in India, Russia, Iran, Britain, and the United States, among others, to piece together this story. This detailed approach enriches the book’s contribution to the disciplines of history, sociology, and labour studies, offering a nuanced understanding of the connections between industrial development, labour movements, and societal change.
Practical
Date 21 January
Time 16:00
Place IISG, Cruquiusweg 31, Amsterdam
Entrance Free entrance, but please register at event@iisg.nl
Touraj Atabaki is an Honorary Research Fellow at the International Institute of Social History and Professor Emeritus of Social History of the Middle East and Central Asia at Leiden University. After years of studying and teaching theoretical physics, he transitioned to the study of history at the University of London and Utrecht University. He held academic positions at Utrecht University and the University of Amsterdam while also joining the International Institute of Social History. At the University of Amsterdam and later at Leiden University, he occupied the Chair of Social History of the Middle East and Central Asia.
Atabaki’s scholarly contributions include numerous books and articles on historiography, the social history of labour, and subaltern studies, with a focus on twentieth-century Iran, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. Beyond his research, he has dedicated much of his career to teaching and mentoring students, particularly PhD candidates. His role as a teacher and mentor remains an important and integral part of his professional journey.
In addition to his academic endeavours, Atabaki has actively engaged with international media, including radio, television, and social media, contributing to discussions and analyses on his areas of expertise. He has also worked on documenting history through various documentaries, further extending his efforts to connect scholarship with broader audiences.
