Examining the Basis of Legitimacy of the Authorities of the Traditional Rural Elites in Leadership Community Development (Case Study: Rural Communities of Sardasht)

The traditional rural elites in the Kurdish regions are among the local community capacities, which, given indigenous knowledge and authority in the administration of affairs. Now days also play a leadership role in developmental activities such as participation, justifying, convincing, gaining agreement, removing barriers and field preparation. In this research, with the emphasis on these experiences in the villages of Sardasht, the source of legitimacy of their authority in leadership the developmental activities in the light of the theoretical approach of Weber's authority and local development, and drawing on qualitative methodology in collecting and analyzing data has been analyzed. Based on the findings, the clerics, as the traditional elites with a popular and spiritual character, has a charismatic legitimacy, while providing religious backing for their legitimacy, and this has led to a sense of authority over the history of the local community. Another phrase has the traditional legitimacy in authority. The elders also have traditional legitimacy according to the tradition of adherence to elders in the local community. The results represent a combination of the legitimacy of the traditional elites, which is rooted in the religious and cultural system governing the community. The law in the local community is not the basis for legitimacy. The reliance of Islamic councils and dignitaries on new rural development management, the legitimacy of the local community traditions, can strengthen them in the direction of development and lead to their authority in managing issues that are in a weak state.