British Colonialism in Qajarid Iran and its Impact on Islam and Muslim

Abstract

With the advent of Islam and Islamization of Iran, it remained united under the Pious, Umayyad and early Abbasid Caliphate. With the disintegration of the Muslim World many dynasties and petty principalities were established in Iran. Finally it got completely unified by the founder of the Safavid dynasty in 1501 under Shi’ism and Iran obtained a separate identity. This unification continued under Qajar (1779 – 1925), Pahlavid (1925 – 1979) and the modern rule, started in 1979, known as “Islamic Republic of Iran”. As it was the period of western colonization and various Muslim countries came under European powers, Iran also came under the influence of these foreign powers especially the British and the Russians. While the Qajars were ruling Iran these countries not only put their impact on it and its people but also interfered the affairs of the country, got various concession and exploited its resources. It’s worth mentioning that Britain always played a diplomatic role in Iran by signing treaties to get more and more concessions. On the other hand, Russia being a neighbour of Iran many times adopted the aggressive policy and conquered its various areas in Central Asia. Nasir al- Din Shah was able than others but the influence of Britain and Russia increased over Iran during his regime. It is worthy to mention that Britain, despite of disobeying the agreements at several times, got more concessions than Russia. The concessions included the construction of telegraph from London to India through Iran in 1870, the building of railways in 1872, the control over the mines in 1872, the establishment of Imperial Bank of Persia in 1889, the payments received from custom and excise duties, the monopoly over tobacco in 1890, the Oil concessions in 1901 and others. This may also be termed as “The British Imperialism” in Iran. These concessions and imperialism created unrest among the Iranians as they directly affected the people. As a result many movements started against the Qajars. The tobacco and the constitutional movements are of importance. Under the pressure of the constitutionalists an assembly called ‘Majlis’ was formed in 1906 having the representation of all sections of the society. This ‘Majlis’ not only curbed the powers of the then Qajari ruler, Muzaffar al- Din Shah but also passed the laws in the interest of the country. Though the constitution movement ended in 1910, it paved the way for the establishment of Pahlavid dynasty in 1925 and later for the Islamic revolution of 1979.