Abstract

The outbreak of the “Spanish flu” in Fars province, particularly in Shiraz, southern Iran, was a significant historical catastrophe that severely affected the local population. This epidemic began on October 29, 1918, and persisted in multiple waves until 1920. Over the course of three years, Shiraz's population dramatically declined from 50,000 to approximately 20,000-25,000 individuals. The disease claimed the lives of half of the city's inhabitants, leaving devastating impacts on its demographic landscape and economic growth. A haunting reminder of this calamity is the Javan Abad Cemetery in Shiraz. The objective of this research is to explore the significance of Shiraz's local medical history, examining the interplay between the Influenza outbreak, World War I, the presence of British forces, and the resultant human-made famine and malnutrition. The study aims to investigate how the colonial government's actions contributed to the exacerbation of the Influenza outbreak and the subsequent decimation of the city. Additionally, the research delves into the nature of the disease and the treatments employed by the British forces during that period. © (2023). All Rights Reserved.