Historical Sciences Studies

The Seleucid Empire and the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt were dynasties that arose after the conquests of Alexander the Great. During the life of their dynasty, they were involved in ... Read More

Research Paper

Vakil al-Dawla (the Deputy of Kingship) or Vakil al-Raya(the Deputy of Peasants): A Research on the Title of Karim Khan Zand

Farhad Zeinivand Nejad; Seyed Hashem Aghajari

Volume 15, Issue 4 , February 2024, Pages 27-54

https://doi.org/10.22059/jhss.2024.368072.473670

Abstract

“Karim Khan Zand” is one of the most prominent people who was able to establish his rule over important parts of Iran after the death of “Nader Shah Afshar”. ... Read More “Karim Khan Zand” is one of the most prominent people who was able to establish his rule over important parts of Iran after the death of “Nader Shah Afshar”. Many stories have been told about his behavior and character in different sources, one of the most important of these quotes is about “Karim Khan Zand”'s title, which means "Vakil al-Raaya". Later, many researchers have given many reasons in response to the attribution of this title to “Karim Khan Zand”, which are not consistent with historical documents and sources, and in addition, with the political and social context of Iran's pre-constitutional society. Therefore, the main question of this research is, when was the title "Vakil al-Raya" used for “Karim Khan” and what are the factors affecting its use? This research answers these questions with a historical method and a descriptive-analytical approach, relying on the content analysis of the documents and the critical study of the historical sources of" the Zand dynasty" and "Qajar" periods. The results of this research show that the contemporary sources of "Karim Khan Zand" did not mention this title during his lifetime, on the other hand, "Karim Khan Zand" also considered himself as "Vakil al-Dawlah" of ” Ismail III" after the defeat of the claimants. For the first time, under “Majamal al-Tawarikh,” by “Kohmera” mentions “Karim Khan” with the title of “Vakil al-Raaya”, the reason for which was his interest in “Khan Zand” and “Khan Zand”'s actions for the prosperity and well-being of the people.Also, the writing of the following and referring to this nickname is late from the time of Karim Khan. What is clear is that many researchers consider the title of Vakil al-Raya for Karim Khan as a proof of the existence of some kind of political relationship between him and the people, which is a distinct feature of the political order of the modern era. But according to the available documents, it can be said that such a perception cannot represent the type of relationship between the people and the ruler during “the Zand dynasty” period; Because it was with the constitutional revolution that Iranians were able to put aside the old political order and implement a new order based on representation in Iran. Based on this, it can be said that in addition to historical documents, the political structure of Iran during” the Zand dynasty” period could not be a place for such a relationship

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Research Paper

The Image of Achaemenid Emperors in the Writings of Aeschylus and Herodotus: Comparing the Narratives

Ehsan allah Sebtosheikh; Farajollah Ahmadi; Roozbeh Zarrinkoob

Volume 15, Issue 4 , February 2024, Pages 55-78

https://doi.org/10.22059/jhss.2024.370407.473680

Abstract

This Study depicts the narratives of Aeschylus and Herodotus about the Achaemenid emperors and tries to show how they gave a narrative about the Achaemenid emperors and what sources ... Read More This Study depicts the narratives of Aeschylus and Herodotus about the Achaemenid emperors and tries to show how they gave a narrative about the Achaemenid emperors and what sources they relied on in this regard. Its importance lies in a better understanding of Herodotus’s historiography and its use of Aeschylus’s narration among other sources. The main question and the problem that has been raised is to what sources did Aeschylus and Herodotus use in their narration and what narration they give. The approach and the research Methodology of this study is a thought. This means that it puts the narratives of Aeschylus and Herodotus next to each other to find out how they gave a narrative about the Achaemenid emperors. The thesis is that Aeschylus, who himself witnessed the Persian campaign, while giving a first-hand account, rewrote it based on the model of Greek tragedies, and Herodotus, while largely is influenced by Aeschylus’ account of the Achaemenid emperors and Xerxes’ campaign to Greece, he used other sources in his narration. As a result and data, the narratives of Aeschylus and Herodotus about the Achaemenid emperors and Xerxes’s campaign to Greece show similarities and differences. Based on the model of Greek tragedies, Aeschylus’s narrative tells the story of Xerxes’ campaign as a king whose delusions lead him to do brazen actions that involve an inevitable fate from the gods. Herodotus’ narrative is largely derived from Aeschylus’s narrative. The ups and downs that Herodotus depicts in the lives of the Achaemenid emperors and especially Xerxes and the influence of the intervention of gods and fate in their lives are all reminiscent of the ancient Greek tragedies, here specifically the Persians of Aeschylus. At the same time, Herodotus also uses other sources and gives more details than Aeschylus to show the reasons and agents of this campaign as a historian. Despite this, Aeschylus’s narrative is decades ahead of Herodotus’s narrative and is closer to the time of the event. Also, his narration of the Achaemenid emperors, as narrated by Atossa, Darius and Xerxes, has significant differences from Herodotus’s narration

Research Paper

The Emirate of Baban and the Security of the Western Territory of Iran (1798-1820)

Nasrollah Salehi

Volume 15, Issue 4 , February 2024, Pages 79-101

https://doi.org/10.22059/jhss.2024.367782.473665

Abstract

The role and position of the Kurdish Baban Emirate in Iran-Ottoman relations has been neglected. The main problem of the present research is to investigate the impact of the Ottoman ... Read More The role and position of the Kurdish Baban Emirate in Iran-Ottoman relations has been neglected. The main problem of the present research is to investigate the impact of the Ottoman central government's inability in the eastern provinces on the security of the western territory of Iran. Emirate of Baban and Pashalik of Baghdad were provinces far from the Ottoman center. The territories of both rulers were separated from the territory of Iran after the Zohab Treaty, but Iran's influence and role in Baban and Baghdad never disappeared. The inability and unwilling of the Ottoman central government - especially from the twelfth century to the middle of the thirteenth century - had led to a power vacuum in the eastern provinces. Such a situation was a serious threat to the western territory of Iran. As the subjects and borderlands of Iran were exposed many times to the raids of the Kurds and Arabs of the territory of Baban and Baghdad. In order to ensure the security of its territory, as well as maintaining and continuing its role and influence in the territory of Baban, Iran was inevitably involved in the conflicts between Baban and Baghdad. Some researchers have wrongly considered Iran's involvement in Baban and Baghdad issues as "interference". While Iran's involvement was as a legitimate right to Self-Defense. In the present research, the claim of Iran's "interference" has been rejected by a descriptive-analytical method and a critical approach, citing Iranian and Ottoman documents and sources. Because the involvement of Iran in the affairs of Baban and Baghdad was more than based on the will of the Iran, it was caused by the inability and unwillingness of the Ottoman government in the eastern provinces. Basically, the Ottoman government was considered among the unable or unwilling states from the point of view of international law. In order to ensure the security of its subjects and borderlands, Iran sometimes had to use force, except for political and diplomatic ways

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Research Paper

Relations between Iran and Oman, and its Consequences on the Countries of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council, from 1981 to 2015

Nouddin Nemati; Ahmad Kurdiea

Volume 15, Issue 4 , February 2024, Pages 103-127

https://doi.org/10.22059/jhss.2024.372294.473691

Abstract

The relations between Oman and Iran have a very long history. This longstanding connection is clearly documented in historical records over the past century, showcasing the diplomatic ... Read More The relations between Oman and Iran have a very long history. This longstanding connection is clearly documented in historical records over the past century, showcasing the diplomatic engagements between the two nations. Numerous factors, contexts, and platforms have shaped the Omani rulers' approach, marking them as individuals of high tolerance towards other states and nations in local, regional, and international politics. Oman's strategic position at the Strait of Hormuz, coupled with its identity as a Muslim country boasting ethnic diversity—including Arab, Iranian, Indian, Chinese, and Pakistani communities—has enriched its cultural, religious, social, and linguistic tapestry. This diversity within the social structure of its rulers has enabled Oman to undertake political actions aimed at fostering political solidarity and an internal bond of tolerance among all ethnic groups, thereby embodying these values.Such practices have positioned Oman as a nation characterized by tolerance, balance in behavior, and stability in local, regional, and international policy adoption. Historical documents and texts reveal that Omani rulers have held a prestigious status in various fields, significantly contributing to de-escalating tensions and preventing conflicts among Muslim countries. By embracing a policy that spans political, social, economic, religious, cultural, linguistic, and security dimensions, Oman has played a pivotal role in peacefully resolving local, regional, and international disputes. Notable examples of Oman's diplomatic interventions include its involvement in the Iran-Iraq war, nuclear negotiations, the Iraq-Kuwait conflict, the signing of numerous oil, gas, and security agreements in the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea, facilitating hostage releases, and the exchange of cultural, artistic, and media delegations.Moreover, Oman has been instrumental in mediating significant issues such as the conflict between Ansar Allah (the Houthis) and Saudi Arabia, showcasing its commitment to peace and security in the region. This aspect of Omani diplomacy merits attention as a critical historical topic in international relations.The current research aims to examine the role and position of the Omani government in its relations with Iran from the pre-revolutionary period to the present, based on historical documents and evidence. By employing a descriptive, explanatory, and analytical method, this study addresses the underlying factors, grounds, substrates, and motives that have sustained the balanced and relatively stable relationship between Oman and Iran since before the revolution.Preliminary findings suggest that various factors and contexts have historically underpinned the positive and robust relationship between Oman and Iran. Oman's role as a mediator in regional and international conflicts has contributed to outcomes favoring peace, friendship, and security in the Persian Gulf. This research focuses exclusively on the diplomatic interactions between Oman and Iran, emphasizing the significance of their cooperative efforts while other matters remain beyond its scope

Research Paper

Naming the Gates of Jay and the Famine Under Sassanian King Pērōz

Leili Varahram

Volume 15, Issue 4 , February 2024, Pages 129-150

https://doi.org/10.22059/jhss.2024.373659.473699

Abstract

Mafaroukhi and Abunoaym Isfahani, in their books about the history of Isfahan, said that the Sassanian king Pērōz ordered an Isfahani architect, named Āzarshāpour, son of Āzarmāhān, ... Read More

Historical Sciences Studies

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Volume & Issue: Volume 15, Issue 4 - Serial Number 36, February 2024, Pages 1-162

Analysis of the Battle of Raphia: Background, Causes, and Consequences

Abstract

Vakil al-Dawla (the Deputy of Kingship) or Vakil al-Raya(the Deputy of Peasants): A Research on the Title of Karim Khan Zand

Abstract

The Image of Achaemenid Emperors in the Writings of Aeschylus and Herodotus: Comparing the Narratives

Abstract

The Emirate of Baban and the Security of the Western Territory of Iran (1798-1820)

Abstract

Relations between Iran and Oman, and its Consequences on the Countries of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council, from 1981 to 2015

Abstract

Naming the Gates of Jay and the Famine Under Sassanian King Pērōz

Abstract