Institutions and methods of policy makings concerning tribes ('ashayer)during the Pahlavi I era

The aim of this research project is to assess and evaluate procedures and resources of policy makings upon to tribes and nomads during the reign of Pahlavi I. In the legislative system tribes and nomadic groups’ right of policy making were recognized through three institutions: the monarchy, National Assembly and the Council of Ministers. Reza Shah as the monarch and chief of the Iranian armed forces had an important role in this decision making process. Nevertheless, in a comprehensive analysis of the subject matter one ought not to overlook the role played by the other two institutions. Iranian National Assembly, as the institution for passage of nomadic and tribal laws, played a significant role which will be analysed here. Proposals, legal drafts and bills implemented by the Council of Ministers were also crucial and had a great impact on the nomadic and tribal life in Iran. This paper argues that the efforts of the last two institutions have been overshadowed by the institution of monarchy and the personality of Reza Shah due to his enthusiasm to modernize Iran.