Investigation and Analysis of the Political-Social Dimensions of the Shi’a Movement of Alawids of Tabaristan (243-308 AH) Based on Charles Tilly’s Theory of Collective Action

Establishment of Alawids’ government was the most important event after the entrance of Islam into Tabaristan province in Iran. Applying Charles Tilly’s theory of collective action, which deals with revolutions and social movements, is effective in offering a new reading of that movement. In the present study, we use library sources and a descriptive-analytical method to analyze Alawids’ movement with a look at Tilly’s theory. The main question of the article is as follows: “What dimensions of that movement does applying Tilly’s theory reveal?” It seems that Alawids sought the following three goals by that movement: (a) surviving, (b) achieving political power, and (c) diffusing Shi’a tenets. Accordingly, after seizing power, in view of the common religious identity of the people and the local rulers, an organization with a military and religious nature was established. Mobilization of interests by Alawid leaders was in an aggressive and preparatory form and had an obligatory and normative nature. The element of power in that movement was in mutually contrasting form (Sunni caliphate/ Shi’a government). The most important opportunities for the leaders of the movement were as follows: creating a common religious identity, making use of the military power of the local rulers, and using public capacities. Samanids and Kinkharids were the most threatening factors for Alawids and pursued a suppressing policy. The Alawids’ collective action was rivalry and modernist, and was formed on the basis of the dichotomy of insider-outsider.