An Analysis of Iran-Russia Tariff Contract in Qajar Period

ariff contract between Iran and Russia in 1319/ 1901 was concluded as the result of Muzaffar al-Din Shah’s continuous taking out loans from Czar Russia; that is, Russians considered concluding a new tariff contract between two countries as one of the conditions for their paying Iran the second loan. The contract -- formulated in accordance with the imperious policies of economic colonialism of Russia – considerably yielded the economic destiny of Iran to Russia. The Russians’ goals, as in other economic concessions obtained by them during Qajar period, seem to have been political ones, for they could reinforce their colonial dominion over Iran through spoiling Iran’s economic independence, and thereby making this country dependant on Russia in all aspects.