A Study of Political Situation and Relations of Ardalan Dynasty in Qajar Era

Abstract

Iran’s Kurdistan in general and Ardalan’s Kurdistan in Qajar era in particular was of paramount importance due to its geographic situation as it was located on Iran’s western borders with Ottoman Empire and Baban states.When Qajar government came to power in Iran, Kurdistan region and its environs, was under the leadership of a local dynasty called Ardalan. From the second half of the seventh century of Hijra to the thirteenth century of Hijra, this dynasty in points of its political life dominated parts of Hamadan, Kermanshah as well as some regions of Lorestan besides reigning Kurdistan. Swearing their allegiance to the central government during the reign of First Shah Abbas, Ardalan warriors turned to a covering power between two Iranian and Ottoman empires and offered various services to Iran from Safavid era to Qajar era. Ottomans who had succeeded to prevail over almost three-fourth of Kurdish regions during their quarrels with Safavids were always interested in owning Kurdistan region. Thus, they decided to found the Baban state in Shahrzur region (now is known as Sulaymaniyah) in the eleventh century of Hijra in order to expand its influence in this region and reaches a power equilibrium against Ardalan Dynasty in Iran. From this time on, these two local powers were serious political rivals and each one was in some way following the orders issued by their respective central government.