Ṣadr al-Mamalek’s Challenges in Reforming the Financial and Administrative Structure ofĀstān-e Qods-e Razavi (1325-1329)

The Constitutional Revolution had a widespread impact on the social and administrative structures of Iranian society. One of the most important religious institutions in Iran, the Āstān-e Qods-e Razavi, was affected by this event due to its internal problems. The Āstān-e Qods faced a financial crisis, and some constitutionalists in Mashhad also demanded reform of the flawed traditional structure of this endowed institution. The appointment of Ṣadr al-Mamalek as the trustee (Motevalli), considering his ancestral and occupational background and the changing political conditions in society after the Constitutional Revolution, paved the way for reforms in the Āstān-e Qods. This article aims to examine the reform measures undertaken by Ṣadr al-Mamalek in the Āstān-e Qods from 1325 to 1329 and demonstrate what reforms he implemented in the Āstān-e Qods-e Razavi and how the custodians of the holy shrine reacted to his reforms. The results of this research, based on descriptive-analytical analysis of documents and publications, indicate that Ṣadr al-Mamalek was appointed as the Motevalli from Muḥarram 1325, after various challenges, attempted to change the financial and administrative situation of this endowed institution by reforming its administrative structure and establishing a cabinet. However, his actions faced opposition from some of the custodians of the holy shrine. Opponents, to preserve their interests, created a reformist council for the Āstān-e Razavi (Heyate Eslāh Khahāne Āstāne Razavī), and engaged in coordinated provocative actions, spreading rumors, and even making threats until, ultimately, after four years, Ṣadr al-Mamalek was dismissed and his reforms failed.