I have a copper artichoke pan purchased in Iran in the 1980s. What might it be lined with and is it safe to use?

I'd be leery of using a copper, or tin-lined copper pan, with artichokes. They are notoriously supposed to be cooked in a "non-reactive" pan, and I don't think either copper or tin qualifies. Is it called an “artichoke pan” simply because it looks like an artichoke, or is it intended for cooking them? If the lining is steel, you’re fine. But, since you really don’t know what its lined with, I’d use it for decorative purposes only.

I'm curious -- what exactly is an "artichoke pan" and what is its intended use?

(Any chance of a photo?)

Most likely tin, unless you paid over $100 for it. Do not use over high heat. I have a couple tin lined copper pieces but only use for decoration. A good copper pan will be lined with stainless steel or nickle and have visibly thick copper edges.