The Method of Providing Security in Cities and Traditional Security Authorities of Qajar Era (19th Century)

ne of missions of political systems has been to establish security in country for which they have created organizations and authorities. To establish social stability, prevent from revolts, combat theft and robbery, create order within cities and provide security for people are the significant responsibilities of security agents. Given the traditional structure of Qajar government and before creation of new civilization institutions for security, such as police, gendarmerie, Cossack Brigade and so on, the method of providing security in cities was the same as previous traditional ones which was enforced by ruler, sheriff, warden, guard, toll man, troopers etc. By using descriptive-analytical method and by referring to historical sources, this article examines the method of providing order and security in and out of cities in pre-Constitutional Revolution Qajar Era, and the traditional security authorities in this era has been explored. The findings indicate that security, particularly in combating theft and robbery was a significant issue and it was conducted by applying violent methods and hard punishments but the desirable and institutionalized security was not created due to the lack of efficiency of traditional security institutions and administrational corruption