The influence of English doctors on the political relations between Iran and England during the Qajar Era

Due to its strategic location and its proximity to India، Iran was faced with the growing influence and domination of Colonial powers especially Britain during the Qajar era. Protecting India against threats by other European countries including Russia and France was extremely vital for Britain and this had a significant impact on Iran and Britain’s political relations. One of the methods of the British to establish and advance their political agenda was to send professional doctors to Iran. The main objective of this research is to highlight the influence of British doctors either as private physicians of the shah and the nobility or as a part of military، political and religious missions، on Iran and Britain’s political relations. This research makes use of the descriptive-analytical method، and focuses on the British doctors'' diaries، travel journals and political reports to show that British physicians gained a prominent position in the royal household and also in the society due to their medical expertise. This in turn empowered them to influence the political relationship between Iran and Britain and to advance the political interest of their government by sending reports، attracting the attention of influential Iranian political figures، and influencing the endorsement of treaties and contracts.