Lynch Road and its Role in the Relations between the Bakhtiari Khans and the British Government in Iran During the Qajar Period

During the Qajar period, the Bakhtiaris and the British had friendly relations which entered a new phase with the construction of the Bakhtiari road by the Lynch company. The construction of this road, although being a turning point in the relations between the two sides, created challenges among them. These Challenges are questioned in this research. What role did the construction of Bakhtiari Road, known as Lynch Road, play in the process of relations between the Bakhtiari Khans and the British government? The assumption of the research is based on the premise that although the construction of Bakhtiari road led to further expansion of the relations between the Bakhtiari Khans and the British, at the same time, the existence of a number of factors and issues created resentments and challenges between the two sides. The findings of the research show that factors such as disputes over financial issues, instability and insecurity of the road, as well as the failure to fulfill the promises and duties of the parties caused challenges and damages in the relations between the Bakhtiaris and the British on Lynch Road.