ABSTRACT
Sino-Iranian relations are as ancient as the Persian and Chinese civilizations. Their origins extend far back into the era of the Silk Road. The Parthians, the Sassanids of Persia, and the Han and Tang Chinese dynasties had built strong commercial and cultural ties. The Hans signed a commercial treaty with Persia in 100 BCE to organize their trade and customs relations, while the Tangs enhanced trade and strengthened their cultural ties with Persia. Since then, trade flourished between the two sides when Silk Road caravans travelled from China across the plains, mountains and valleys of Central Asia towards Persia and through Turkey to Europe's ports. Silk Road merchandise of silk, species, textiles, horses and camels strengthened relations among world nations at that time and continued its role in promoting trade and cultural exchange well into the thirteenth century.
