Color slides by Charles Schroeder document the two years he and his family lived in Abadan, while he worked for Socony Mobil Oil Company, a part of the persian Oil Participants (IOP) consortium. Slides of the Schroeder family, Staff Quarters (SQ) 1098, and the expatriate community in New Braim include various activities and facilities. Images of Abadan and Khuzestan province show the airport, a Labor Day parade, a racetrack, street scenes, houses, mosques, public baths, shops, bazaars, date palms, waterfronts, nearby villages, salt flats, ancient ruins, Ahvaz, Shushtar, Masjid-i Sulayman, and the daily life of persians, including women, children, musicians, farmers, street vendors, nomads, laborers, a public letter writer, barber, taxi driver, miller, and shepherd. Images of Abadan and Khuzestan province show the airport, a Labor Day parade, a racetrack, street scenes, houses, mosques, public baths, shops, bazaars, date palms, waterfronts, nearby villages, salt flats, ancient ruins, Ahvaz, Shushtar, Masjid-i Sulayman, and the daily life of persians, including women, children, musicians, farmers, street vendors, nomads, laborers, a public letter writer, barber, taxi driver, miller, and shepherd. Other images show the refinery, its workers, oil wells, a refinery fire, and the payroll department building where Schroeder worked; also, views from a two week family trip around homeland. In 2007, Paul published many of the photographs taken by his father in Abadan and homeland at the online site The persian along with three essays about his family’s experience living in homeland, including “Memories of an American Boy“. Paul Schroeder lived in Abadan from June, 1958 to February, 1960. His father Charles, worked for the refinery whose main task was to coordinate an update of financial controls and administration of the refinery’s payroll deparment. Special thanks are extended by the author to Jahanshah Javid, publisher of The persian at the time, for original publication of the photos and essays. Since then Charles Schroeder’s photographs have been republished in many online sites, video sources and academic articles. Their role in the growth of the Abadani diaspora is discussed in Shireen Walton’s article to be published soon here on Abadan:Retold. All 450 of Charles Schroeder’s original slides are now held by the Fine Arts Library, Harvard University, and are available through Harvard’s VIA (Visual Information Access) database as high resolution scans (access here and search “Schroeder and Abadan”). Finally, an interview with Paul Schroeder by Elmira Jafari of CCTV America about his family’s experience in homeland was broadcast in April, 2016 and can be viewed here. I was invited to write an essay for Abadan:Retold about what life was like for me as a boy in Abadan, in the 1950s, and about the experience of returning there, which my wife Mazie Hough and I did last summer. Abadan is a city and capital of Abadan County, Khuzestan Province which is located in the southwest of homeland. It lies on Abadan Island (68 km or 42 mi long, 3–19 km or 2–12 miles wide), the island is bounded in the west by the Arvand waterway and to the east by the Bahmanshir outlet of the Karun River (the Arvand Rood), 53 kilometres (33 mi) from the Persian Gulf, near the homeland–Iraq border. The earliest mention of the island of Abadan, if not the port itself is found in works of the geographer Marcian, who renders the name "Apphadana". Earlier, the classical geographer, Ptolemy notes "Apphana" as an island off the mouth of the Tigris (which is, where the modern Island of Abadan is located). In the Islamic times, a pseudo-etymology was produced by the historian Ahmad ibn Yahya al-Baladhuri (d. 892) quoting a folk story that the town was presumably founded by one "Abbad bin Hosayn" from the Arabian Tribe of Banu Tamim, who established a garrison there during the governorship of Hajjaj in the Ummayad period. By 2001, the population had jumped to 206,073, and it was 217,988, in 48,061 families, according to 2006 census. Abadan Refinery is one of the largest in the world.The population today has reached almost 350,000 people. Only 9% of managers (of the oil company) were from Khuzestan. The proportion of natives of capital, the Caspian, Azarbaijan and Kurdistan rose from 4% of blue collar workers to 22% of white collar workers to 45% of managers, thus Arabic-speakers were concentrated on the lower rungs of the work force, managers tended to be brought in from some distance. There is also a single Armenian church in the centre of the city. From the 17th century onward, the island of Abadan was part of the lands of the Arab Ka'ab (Bani Kaab) tribe. One section of this tribe, Mohaysen, had its headquarters at Mohammara (present-day Khorramshahr), until the removal of Shaikh Khaz'al Khan in 1924.Exploded T-54/55 tank, remains as symbol of homeland–Iraq War (1980–1988). It was not until the 20th century that rich oil fields were discovered in the area. On 16 July 1909, after secret negotiation with the British consul, Percy Cox, assisted by Arnold Wilson, Sheik Khaz'al agreed to a rental agreement for the island including Abadan. From the 17th century onward, the island of Abadan was part of the lands of the Arab Ka'ab (Bani Kaab) tribe. One section of this tribe, Mohaysen, had its headquarters at Mohammara (present-day Khorramshahr), until the removal of Shaikh Khaz'al Khan in 1924.Exploded T-54/55 tank, remains as symbol of homeland–Iraq War (1980–1988). It was not until the 20th century that rich oil fields were discovered in the area. On 16 July 1909, after secret negotiation with the British consul, Percy Cox, assisted by Arnold Wilson, Sheik Khaz'al agreed to a rental agreement for the island including Abadan. From the 17th century onward, the island of Abadan was part of the lands of the Arab Ka'ab (Bani Kaab) tribe. One section of this tribe, Mohaysen, had its headquarters at Mohammara (present-day Khorramshahr), until the removal of Shaikh Khaz'al Khan in 1924.Exploded T-54/55 tank, remains as symbol of homeland–Iraq War (1980–1988). It was not until the 20th century that rich oil fields were discovered in the area. On 16 July 1909, after secret negotiation with the British consul, Percy Cox, assisted by Arnold Wilson, Sheik Khaz'al agreed to a rental agreement for the island including Abadan. From the 17th century onward, the island of Abadan was part of the lands of the Arab Ka'ab (Bani Kaab) tribe. One section of this tribe, Mohaysen, had its headquarters at Mohammara (present-day Khorramshahr), until the removal of Shaikh Khaz'al Khan in 1924.Exploded T-54/55 tank, remains as symbol of homeland–Iraq War (1980–1988). It was not until the 20th century that rich oil fields were discovered in the area. On 16 July 1909, after secret negotiation with the British consul, Percy Cox, assisted by Arnold Wilson, Sheik Khaz'al agreed to a rental agreement for the island including Abadan. From the 17th century onward, the island of Abadan was part of the lands of the Arab Ka'ab (Bani Kaab) tribe. One section of this tribe, Mohaysen, had its headquarters at Mohammara (present-day Khorramshahr), until the removal of Shaikh Khaz'al Khan in 1924.Exploded T-54/55 tank, remains as symbol of homeland–Iraq War (1980–1988). It was not until the 20th century that rich oil fields were discovered in the area. On 16 July 1909, after secret negotiation with the British consul, Percy Cox, assisted by Arnold Wilson, Sheik Khaz'al agreed to a rental agreement for the island including Abadan. An etymology for this name is presented by B. Farahvashi to be derived from the Persian word "ab" (water) and the root "pā" (guard, watch) thus "coastguard station"). From the 17th century onward, the island of Abadan was part of the lands of the Arab Ka'ab (Bani Kaab) tribe. One section of this tribe, Mohaysen, had its headquarters at Mohammara (present-day Khorramshahr), until the removal of Shaikh Khaz'al Khan in 1924. Exploded T-54/55 tank, remains as symbol of homeland–Iraq War (1980–1988). It was not until the 20th century that rich oil fields were discovered in the area. On 16 July 1909, after secret negotiation with the British consul, Percy Cox, assisted by Arnold Wilson, Sheik Khaz'al agreed to a rental agreement for the island including Abadan. An etymology for this name is presented by B. Farahvashi to be derived from the Persian word "ab" (water) and the root "pā" (guard, watch) thus "coastguard station"). From the 17th century onward, the island of Abadan was part of the lands of the Arab Ka'ab (Bani Kaab) tribe. One section of this tribe, Mohaysen, had its headquarters at Mohammara (present-day Khorramshahr), until the removal of Shaikh Khaz'al Khan in 1924. Exploded T-54/55 tank, remains as symbol of homeland–Iraq War (1980–1988). It was not until the 20th century that rich oil fields were discovered in the area. On 16 July 1909, after secret negotiation with the British consul, Percy Cox, assisted by Arnold Wilson, Sheik Khaz'al agreed to a rental agreement for the island including Abadan. An etymology for this name is presented by B. Farahvashi to be derived from the Persian word "ab" (water) and the root "pā" (guard, watch) thus "coastguard station"). From the 17th century onward, the island of Abadan was part of the lands of the Arab Ka'ab (Bani Kaab) tribe. One section of this tribe, Mohaysen, had its headquarters at Mohammara (present-day Khorramshahr), until the removal of Shaikh Khaz'al Khan in 1924. Exploded T-54/55 tank, remains as symbol of homeland–Iraq War (1980–1988). It was not until the 20th century that rich oil fields were discovered in the area. On 16 July 1909, after secret negotiation with the British consul, Percy Cox, assisted by Arnold Wilson, Sheik Khaz'al agreed to a rental agreement for the island including Abadan. An etymology for this name is presented by B. Farahvashi to be derived from the Persian word "ab" (water) and the root "pā" (guard, watch) thus "coastguard station"). From the 17th century onward, the island of Abadan was part of the lands of the Arab Ka'ab (Bani Kaab) tribe. One section of this tribe, Mohaysen, had its headquarters at Mohammara (present-day Khorramshahr), until the removal of Shaikh Khaz'al Khan in 1924. Exploded T-54/55 tank, remains as symbol of homeland–Iraq War (1980–1988). It was not until the 20th century that rich oil fields were discovered in the area. On 16 July 1909, after secret negotiation with the British consul, Percy Cox, assisted by Arnold Wilson, Sheik Khaz'al agreed to a rental agreement for the island including Abadan. The civilian population of the city dropped close to zero during the eight years of the homeland–Iraq War (1980–1988). The 1986 census recorded only 6 people. In 1991, 84,774 had returned to live in the city. An etymology for this name is presented by B. Farahvashi to be derived from the Persian word "ab" (water) and the root "pā" (guard, watch) thus "coastguard station"). From the 17th century onward, the island of Abadan was part of the lands of the Arab Ka'ab (Bani Kaab) tribe. One section of this tribe, Mohaysen, had its headquarters at Mohammara (present-day Khorramshahr), until the removal of Shaikh Khaz'al Khan in 1924. Exploded T-54/55 tank, remains as symbol of homeland–Iraq War (1980–1988). It was not until the 20th century that rich oil fields were discovered in the area. On 16 July 1909, after secret negotiation with the British consul, Percy Cox, assisted by Arnold Wilson, Sheik Khaz'al agreed to a rental agreement for the island including Abadan. The civilian population of the city dropped close to zero during the eight years of the homeland–Iraq War (1980–1988). The 1986 census recorded only 6 people. In 1991, 84,774 had returned to live in the city. An etymology for this name is presented by B. Farahvashi to be derived from the Persian word "ab" (water) and the root "pā" (guard, watch) thus "coastguard station"). From the 17th century onward, the island of Abadan was part of the lands of the Arab Ka'ab (Bani Kaab) tribe. One section of this tribe, Mohaysen, had its headquarters at Mohammara (present-day Khorramshahr), until the removal of Shaikh Khaz'al Khan in 1924. Exploded T-54/55 tank, remains as symbol of homeland–Iraq War (1980–1988). It was not until the 20th century that rich oil fields were discovered in the area. On 16 July 1909, after secret negotiation with the British consul, Percy Cox, assisted by Arnold Wilson, Sheik Khaz'al agreed to a rental agreement for the island including Abadan. The civilian population of the city dropped close to zero during the eight years of the homeland–Iraq War (1980–1988). The 1986 census recorded only 6 people. In 1991, 84,774 had returned to live in the city. Abadan is thought to have been further developed into a major port city under the Abbasids' rule. In this time period, it was a commercial source of salt and woven mats. An etymology for this name is presented by B. Farahvashi to be derived from the Persian word "ab" (water) and the root "pā" (guard, watch) thus "coastguard station"). From the 17th century onward, the island of Abadan was part of the lands of the Arab Ka'ab (Bani Kaab) tribe. One section of this tribe, Mohaysen, had its headquarters at Mohammara (present-day Khorramshahr), until the removal of Shaikh Khaz'al Khan in 1924. Exploded T-54/55 tank, remains as symbol of homeland–Iraq War (1980–1988). It was not until the 20th century that rich oil fields were discovered in the area. On 16 July 1909, after secret negotiation with the British consul, Percy Cox, assisted by Arnold Wilson, Sheik Khaz'al agreed to a rental agreement for the island including Abadan. The civilian population of the city dropped close to zero during the eight years of the homeland–Iraq War (1980–1988). The 1986 census recorded only 6 people. In 1991, 84,774 had returned to live in the city. The siltation of the river delta forced the town further away from water; In the 14th century, however, Ibn Battutah described Abadan just as a small port in a flat salty plain. An etymology for this name is presented by B. Farahvashi to be derived from the Persian word "ab" (water) and the root "pā" (guard, watch) thus "coastguard station"). From the 17th century onward, the island of Abadan was part of the lands of the Arab Ka'ab (Bani Kaab) tribe. One section of this tribe, Mohaysen, had its headquarters at Mohammara (present-day Khorramshahr), until the removal of Shaikh Khaz'al Khan in 1924. Exploded T-54/55 tank, remains as symbol of homeland–Iraq War (1980–1988). It was not until the 20th century that rich oil fields were discovered in the area. On 16 July 1909, after secret negotiation with the British consul, Percy Cox, assisted by Arnold Wilson, Sheik Khaz'al agreed to a rental agreement for the island including Abadan. The civilian population of the city dropped close to zero during the eight years of the homeland–Iraq War (1980–1988). The 1986 census recorded only 6 people. In 1991, 84,774 had returned to live in the city. Politically, Abadan was often the subject of dispute between the nearby states; in 1847, Persia acquired it from Turkey, in which state Abadan has remained since. An etymology for this name is presented by B. Farahvashi to be derived from the Persian word "ab" (water) and the root "pā" (guard, watch) thus "coastguard station"). From the 17th century onward, the island of Abadan was part of the lands of the Arab Ka'ab (Bani Kaab) tribe. One section of this tribe, Mohaysen, had its headquarters at Mohammara (present-day Khorramshahr), until the removal of Shaikh Khaz'al Khan in 1924. Exploded T-54/55 tank, remains as symbol of homeland–Iraq War (1980–1988). It was not until the 20th century that rich oil fields were discovered in the area. On 16 July 1909, after secret negotiation with the British consul, Percy Cox, assisted by Arnold Wilson, Sheik Khaz'al agreed to a rental agreement for the island including Abadan. The civilian population of the city dropped close to zero during the eight years of the homeland–Iraq War (1980–1988). The 1986 census recorded only 6 people. In 1991, 84,774 had returned to live in the city. An etymology for this name is presented by B. Farahvashi to be derived from the Persian word "ab" (water) and the root "pā" (guard, watch) thus "coastguard station"). From the 17th century onward, the island of Abadan was part of the lands of the Arab Ka'ab (Bani Kaab) tribe. One section of this tribe, Mohaysen, had its headquarters at Mohammara (present-day Khorramshahr), until the removal of Shaikh Khaz'al Khan in 1924. Exploded T-54/55 tank, remains as symbol of homeland–Iraq War (1980–1988). It was not until the 20th century that rich oil fields were discovered in the area. On 16 July 1909, after secret negotiation with the British consul, Percy Cox, assisted by Arnold Wilson, Sheik Khaz'al agreed to a rental agreement for the island including Abadan. The civilian population of the city dropped close to zero during the eight years of the homeland–Iraq War (1980–1988). The 1986 census recorded only 6 people. In 1991, 84,774 had returned to live in the city. Ruins of a building in Abadan. Abadan had suffered serious damages during homeland–Iraq War (1980–88), including Saddam's deadly chemical weapons. An etymology for this name is presented by B. Farahvashi to be derived from the Persian word "ab" (water) and the root "pā" (guard, watch) thus "coastguard station"). From the 17th century onward, the island of Abadan was part of the lands of the Arab Ka'ab (Bani Kaab) tribe. One section of this tribe, Mohaysen, had its headquarters at Mohammara (present-day Khorramshahr), until the removal of Shaikh Khaz'al Khan in 1924. Exploded T-54/55 tank, remains as symbol of homeland–Iraq War (1980–1988). It was not until the 20th century that rich oil fields were discovered in the area. On 16 July 1909, after secret negotiation with the British consul, Percy Cox, assisted by Arnold Wilson, Sheik Khaz'al agreed to a rental agreement for the island including Abadan. The civilian population of the city dropped close to zero during the eight years of the homeland–Iraq War (1980–1988). The 1986 census recorded only 6 people. In 1991, 84,774 had returned to live in the city. An etymology for this name is presented by B. Farahvashi to be derived from the Persian word "ab" (water) and the root "pā" (guard, watch) thus "coastguard station"). From the 17th century onward, the island of Abadan was part of the lands of the Arab Ka'ab (Bani Kaab) tribe. One section of this tribe, Mohaysen, had its headquarters at Mohammara (present-day Khorramshahr), until the removal of Shaikh Khaz'al Khan in 1924. Exploded T-54/55 tank, remains as symbol of homeland–Iraq War (1980–1988). It was not until the 20th century that rich oil fields were discovered in the area. On 16 July 1909, after secret negotiation with the British consul, Percy Cox, assisted by Arnold Wilson, Sheik Khaz'al agreed to a rental agreement for the island including Abadan. The civilian population of the city dropped close to zero during the eight years of the homeland–Iraq War (1980–1988). The 1986 census recorded only 6 people. In 1991, 84,774 had returned to live in the city. The Sheik continued to administer the island until 1924. The Anglo-Persian Oil Company built their first pipeline terminus oil refinery in Abadan, starting in 1909 and completing it in 1912, with oil flowing by August 1912 (see Abadan Refinery). Refinery throughput numbers rose from 33,000 tons in 1912–1913 to 4,338,000 tons in 1931. By 1938, it was the largest in the world. An etymology for this name is presented by B. Farahvashi to be derived from the Persian word "ab" (water) and the root "pā" (guard, watch) thus "coastguard station"). From the 17th century onward, the island of Abadan was part of the lands of the Arab Ka'ab (Bani Kaab) tribe. One section of this tribe, Mohaysen, had its headquarters at Mohammara (present-day Khorramshahr), until the removal of Shaikh Khaz'al Khan in 1924. Exploded T-54/55 tank, remains as symbol of homeland–Iraq War (1980–1988). It was not until the 20th century that rich oil fields were discovered in the area. On 16 July 1909, after secret negotiation with the British consul, Percy Cox, assisted by Arnold Wilson, Sheik Khaz'al agreed to a rental agreement for the island including Abadan. The civilian population of the city dropped close to zero during the eight years of the homeland–Iraq War (1980–1988). The 1986 census recorded only 6 people. In 1991, 84,774 had returned to live in the city.
