MO3215 Persia in the 18th Century, 1722-1834 (The Age of the Warlords)
   
Lecturer Dr Ali Ansari  (New Arts Building, room 131)
   
Credits 30
   
Availability 2009-2010 - semester 2
   
Class Hour view timetable
   
Description The purpose of this module is to look at a critical if under appreciated period of Persian (Iranian) history between the fall of the Safavid Empire in 1722 and the consolidation of the Qajar state in 1834. This was a period of dynamic change and transformation characterised by the rise and fall of competing dynasts who ruthlessly sought to re-establish the imperial legacy of the Safavids under the own particular leadership. This protracted period of turmoil was to have a lasting impact on the character of Persian state and society which can be felt to this day particularly with respect to the changes in the cultural and religious landscape of the country. The course concludes with an assessment of the early Qajar state and the impact of European intervention, in particular Persia’s two wars with the expanding Russian empire which were ultimately to result in the loss of great power status.
   
Basic Reading Cambridge History of Iran Vol 6 Chapter 5
Cambridge History of Iran Vol 7 Chapters 1-4
M Axworthy Sword of Persia: Nader Shah; from Tribal warrior to conquering tyrant
J Malcolm History of Persia Vol II
D Morgan Mediaeval Persia chapter 16
   

Course Structure
  1. Introduction: The Safavid Empire
  2. The fall of the Safavids and the era of Afghan rule
  3. Nader Shah
  4. The inter-regnum of Karim Khan
  5. The transformation of Shi’ism
  6. Agha Mohammad Khan and the foundation of the Qajar State
  7. Fath Ali Shah and the consolidation of the Qajar state
  8. Persia and the Napoleonic wars
  9. ‘Persia’ and the West
  10. Empire and decline: the nature of the Qajar State
  11. Revision
   
Assessment 60% examination - 3-hour paper
40% coursework
   

Learning Outcomes
  • An understanding of a transformative period in modern Iranian history with an appreciation of its consequences for later development;
  • An understanding of the relationship between state and society;
  • An appreciation of the consequences of a dynastic state in turmoil, providing a useful comparison for the development of the modern state in Europe;
  • The changing nature of the relationship between Europe and the Middle East.
  
   
Restrictions None