فصلنامه تاریخ روابط خارجی
پیاپی 98 (بهار 1403)

As one of the customary gifts of the Safavid era, robes were consistently bestowed upon subordinates by superiors. In fact, the practices of robe-bestowal and robe-wearing in the Safavid era, serving as a ritual that often delineated the status of high-ranking statesmen relative to others, held significant importance in the foreign relations of Safavid shahs. This research, employing a library-based methodology, will examine and analyze the political functions of robe-bestowal and robe-wearing in Safavid foreign relations through a descriptive-analytical approach. The findings of this study indicate that robes were bestowed directly and indirectly by the shahs upon foreign ambassadors, enemies, and officials involved in foreign relations. Direct bestowal upon ambassadors revealed the shah and court's perspective on the negotiating countries, while, when confronting enemies, it served to demonstrate power and deter war. Indirectly, during wartime and confrontations with foreign enemies, the shah's robe-bestowal to subordinates varied based on their performance. Thus, victory over enemies and the imposition of defeat were accompanied by honorary robes from the shah. Conversely, individuals who suffered defeat in confrontations with enemies were subject to robes of humiliation and insult from the shah; occasionally, however, conciliatory robes were sent based on individuals' pasts. The issue of demonstrating and preserving the power of Safavid shahs in comparison to their counterparts played a significant role in the bestowal of robes to individuals involved in this matter.

The cultural and social characteristics of Iranians, as viewed by Orientalists and foreigners referred to in this article as the "other" have been a focus of studies in social and cultural history. These travelogues are significant because, in addition to providing insights into past events, they are used to better understand the characteristics, features, customs, and traditions of nations that have often been lost in the ups and downs of history. Ribadeneira Sánchez's travelogue, titled "A Journey to the Heart of Persia," is one such source from the Naser al-Din Shah Qajar era. A study of this travelogue reveals numerous elements of the religious characteristics, customs, traditions, cultural behaviors, and social actors of Iran during the Naser al-Din Shah Qajar era. This article aims to answer the question: What were the cultural and social characteristics of Iranians during the Qajar era, according to Adolfo Ribadeneira Sánchez? It examines and analyzes the social and cultural axes of the aforementioned travelogue and the extent of the author's understanding of Iranian society. The research method of this article is descriptive-analytical based on the text of the travelogue. According to the findings of this research, from Adolfo's perspective, Iran is one of the most powerful representatives of history, as Iranians have always lived freely in tribal societies. In this country, while efforts have been made to preserve the traditions of previous generations and minorities, unique principles of governance have also been established

The South Persia Rifles was a military organization established by the British government in Iran in 1916, during World War I. This research examines the formation of this military force known as the South Persia Rifles in Iran, its colonial objectives as pursued by the British government, and its functions until its dissolution. The physical presence of these British forces from the very first days of their formation faced widespread opposition from the Iranian people and government, particularly as the failure of the Iranian government to recognize this illegal British action was seen as interference in Iran's internal affairs. The fact that it was not approved by the Iranian Majlis (parliament) indicated that the South Persia Rifles was an illegitimate organization in Iran, and no matter how hard the British tried, they could not impose its recognition and legalization on the Iranian government. Eventually, the activities of the South Persia Rifles in Iran ended after five years in 1921, and it was dismantled. The present research is descriptive-analytical, and the tools for collecting data and information are derived from library sources and documents on Iran's foreign relations with Britain. The research findings show that with the formation of this British military organization in Iran, the British government, under the command of General Sir Percy Sykes, took the first strategic step towards colonizing Iran. However, it faced strong opposition from the Iranian government and fierce resistance from the Iranian people, especially the clergy, tribesmen, and villagers of southern Iran. If it had not been for this national and religious opposition of the Iranian people and the relative cooperation of the political authority of the time, perhaps Iran would have had a fate similar to that of India and other British colonies.

During the reign of Fath Ali Shah Qajar, Iran became a focal point for European countries, resulting in frequent visits by representatives and official ambassadors from these nations as well as neighboring states to the Qajar court. These extensive relations led to the implementation of specific protocols and ceremonies for welcoming, accommodating, and receiving ambassadors at Fath Ali Shah’s court. Some of these practices were derived from Iranian court traditions, while others were adapted to meet the demands of the time. This descriptive-analytical study aims to examine the ceremonies and protocols associated with receiving foreign ambassadors at the court of Fath Ali Shah Qajar, addressing the question of what protocols were observed and how these were influenced by external factors. The findings indicate that during the reign of Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar, there were no specific protocols or ceremonies for welcoming ambassadors. However, the courtiers of Fath Ali Shah, recognizing the necessity of managing foreign relations and the king’s penchant for elaborate court ceremonies, adapted and expanded upon existing Iranian court reception protocols to create lengthy and complex ceremonies for welcoming and receiving foreign ambassadors. These ceremonies were designed to both fulfill diplomatic obligations and showcase the grandeur and magnificence of the Iranian monarchy to foreign representatives. Nevertheless, the intervention of colonial powers led to alterations in traditional reception practices.

Caucasian ethnic groups have had a close relationship with Iranians in recent centuries. Among the ethnic groups that played an important role in the political and economic structure of Iran during the Qajar era were the Georgians. This article attempts, using historical reports and data, to examine the presence of Georgian immigrants in Iran and to investigate the activities and life of Alexander Mirza Georgian and his children and descendants in the political structure of Iran. According to the available data, families such as Naqdi, Bahar, and Tehrani are among the descendants of Alexander Mirza. This research seeks to answer the question of what connection the ancestors of the Naqdi, Bahar, and Tehrani families had with the Georgian royal family? And whether historical documents confirm the origin of these families to Alexander Mirza? In this research, which was conducted using a descriptive-analytical method, one of the main ambiguities in the family narratives of this family is the doubts about the relationship between Sohrab and Afrasiab. Some members of this family have considered Afrasiab to be the son of Sohrab, while others have introduced both of them as the children of Alexander. The findings of the research, based on various historical sources, reject the first narrative and confirm the brotherly relationship between these two figures. Additionally, considering that the Naqdi family is attributed to Sohrab Georgian and the Bahar and Tehrani families are descendants of Afrasiab Khan, it can be claimed that the roots of these three families can be traced directly to one of the sons of Erekle II, King of Georgia. This study was conducted using documentary and library sources and data.

The establishment of modern-style schools in Qajar Iran, particularly during the second half of the dynasty, yielded significant outcomes and transformations for Iranian society. The School of Political Science was one such institution, founded in the years leading up to the Constitutional Revolution. This article, employing a descriptive-analytical method, seeks to answer the following primary question: What roles did the School of Political Science play in Iranian society from its establishment in 1278 SH until its merger with the Higher School of Law and the Higher School of Commerce in 1306 SH? While this school was initially founded to meet the needs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it subsequently contributed to other significant aspects of Iranian society. The findings of this study indicate that the school's most important roles and achievements for Iranian society were: training skilled individuals knowledgeable in modern sciences, reorganizing the chaotic and traditional structure of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, establishing and expanding higher education and specialized studies in the country, and influencing Iran's political structure by contributing to the formation and subsequent victory of the Constitutional Revolution.