The Activity of Local Elites in Fars Province The Case Study: Moshir al-Molk Family (1763-1876)

The local and bureau elites had been always among the effective political and social groups in Fars province in a way that the Fars governance was directly related to their performance. Therefore, the analysis of the historical events of Fars requires understanding and explaining the relations existed between the elites and the other effective elements in province. Moshir al-Molk family is one of those local elites who, with the presence of nearly half a century (1826-1876) in the Ministry of Fars, gathered a lot of strength and credibility. Considering the influence of this family on the political and social life of Fars and using historical sources, the actions of this family in the governance of Fars is examined in present study through a descriptive-analytical method. The findings show that, with regard to the arrangement of political forces and distribution and concentration of power in Fars, the Moshir al-Molk family interacted and competed with other local elites, especially Qashqai and Qawam al-molk families, to access interests relying on power resources (class, personal, public, spiritual etc.). Beyond their political functions, their socio-economic activities had a significant role in promotion of their social status. The results also prepare detailed information about their arrival and performance, especially their most famous character, Mirza Abolhassan Khan Moshir al-molk (1840-1917).