Sheriff's position in Qajar era (1796-1896)

“Sheriff” is an official position which existed, from Timurid period until the end of Qajar period, in various forms such as the bureau sheriff, the town sheriff and the state sheriff. The position, from Timorid to Qajar, had political and judicial power. Sheriff as the ruler of city or state was in relation with the public order and securuty of the society. The position had a major role in providing order and security for the society, during Qajar until the end of the age of Nasseri (1796-1896). The article is to specify the position Sheriff and to reveal the extent to which their actions were in continuation with the previous functions and were different from the previous ones. The results of the study show that during the period the position of Sheriff had different responsibilities. Such responsibilities and powers declined considerably in comparison to the previous period. But, the position retained its importance and influence in public affairs, security and order. The power of Sheriff gradually declined in the late Nasseri era due to the acceleration of the process of modernization affected by the West and the arrival of some new military institutions to provide order. Finally, it vanished completely in the late Qajar period and at the beginning of Pahlavi era.