The role of engineer Albert Gasteiger-Khan in developingin Iran during the Qajar period

This paper reports the work of Austrian Albert Gasteiger, who came to Iran in mid 19th century to help with the development of roads.

Archival documents are examined to collect data for this paper.

The Qajarid government viewed construction of roads essential for further the development of the nation. Following lengthy negotiations with the Iranian diplomatic delegation in Europe, Albert Gasteiger, an Austrian civil engineer, and Baron Donnermann from France were recruited to draft plans for construction roads and railroads in Iran. Albert Gasteiger traveled to   Iran and visited different parts of the country. He drafted general policies for the Iranian government oversaw the construction of Tehran-Kermanshah, Tehran-Amol, and Mashhad- Quchan roads. Also, he proposed the construction of a number of railway and dams project to  Nasser-al-Din Shah. However, inefficiency of the political system, corruption,  local influences, and insecurity caused by Russian and British interference led to the failure of the government to implement the palns fully.