Succession crisis in Qajar government; from the establishment of the dynasty to the end of Mohammad Shah Qajar (1794-1847)

One of the main problems in the political structure of Qajarid government was the issue of succession and heir apparent. This issue made the government and country face crisis and civil war time and again. Although Agha Mohammad Khan's will and tribal customs were supposed to be admitted as a rule for choosing successors, it was never considered to be an accepted rule in political and official structure of the government as well as by the superior classes. This rule was established to let Qavanloo tribe stabilize and continue their kingdom, since they were the founder of the dynasty. The quarrel and fight among princess, the aggregation among court, bureaucrat and militaries as well as Russia and Britain's meddling were major factors in choosing successors. From time to time, these factors strengthened the crisis and caused civil war. Furthermore, the situation of Qajar's government and their foreign policy was weakened because of the foreigner penetration in choosing successors.