Water Ownership in Landholding System of Mazandaran during Qajar Era

Water and land were two important factors of production in Iran and irrigation water depended on type of ownership. According to the differences of geographical location and social status of Iranian Plateau, the situation of water and land ownership changed in different areas. Climate, social status, and strategic situation of Mazandaran Province affected the model of land and water ownership and gave them characteristics. We intended to answer these questions in this study: What institution built Mazandaran water facilities? How was the situation of their ownership? What effect did the production system and land ownership have on the water ownership and Mazandaran irrigation situation? The findings of this study showed that the water ownership right was directly affected by landholding system and the relationship between landowner and farmer. This right was under the supervision of religion and traditions of Iran in Qajar era. The ownership of Mazandaran important rivers was in a form of Khaliseh (governmental) and water delivery and distribution was done by the villagers (Mirabi) from the Khaliseh villages. Climate and soil fertility were important factors in growing types of crops and in making water facilities such as Ab-bandan (water storage ponds) and Qanat, which were made by the people. Government mostly monitored water resources during the water distribution and building dam on them. Also, government benefited from Khalise right. This issue was examined historically and the data are provided from library documentation and archives. An explanatory method of describing and analyzing the subject has been used in this study.