Iraq (Region of Iran) under the rule of Mustafa Quli Khan(May 1887-January 1888)

The mid-western region of Eraagh in Iran now: Ostaan-e Markazi) experienced an extraordinary short period of the governance of Mustafa Gholikhan Farrashbashi, a pioneer reformist. This paper discusses his initiatives and the reasons for his quick dismissal.

Data was gathered from archival and library resources.

  Farrashbashi actively launched a number of reforms, including setting up a bureau of investigation to facilitate judicial processes, reconstruction of water supply system of the city, supply of irrigation water for rural areas, controlling agricultural products prices, return the ownership of lands to farmers, resolution of local disputes and prosecuting criminals. However, he was unexpectedly dismissed by Prince Zell-e Soltan and his property was confiscated. Apart from the greed of the Prince, dismissal of Farrashbashi is attributed to the increase of his popularity among the people of the region, and his failure to collect taxes to the level that Zell-e Soltan expected, as well as a conspiracy by influential figures in the region.