A Study of the Causes and Nature of the Riots and Rebellions of Baluch Tribal Chiefs during Reza Shah’s Reign

After the rise of Reza Shah to power and adoption of a policy of centralization, many attempts were made to establish the authority of the central government throughout Iran, including Baluchestan. These attempts, however, were challenged by local governments. One of the challenges was posed by Doust Mohammad Khan Barakzai and Juma Khan Ismailzahi's rebellion in the years 1928 and 1940 AD. The questions this study aims to tackle include: what was the main reason behind the insurgency of this Baluch commander and how was it suppressed? The subject will be investigated through a historical analysis and using a descriptive-analytical method based on archived and classified documents from 1928 to 1940 AH. The findings of the research indicated that, unlike other movements of the time, such as the rebellion of Sheikh Khazal in Khuzestan, Gilan, and Azerbaijan, the rebellion of Doust Mohammad Khan Barakzai and Juma Khan Ismailzai there was no color and smell of separation and independence movement and their efforts were due to the domination of foreigners, especially the UK, the mistreatment of military personnel with the people of the Region and the expansion of their political and economic authority. A careful look at the implications of the documents under review showed that the main reason for the failure of Khan Baluch movement was the lack of understanding of the late Qajar and early Pahlavi statesmen, especially Reza Shah.