San al-dawlah's Role in the Renovation of Industry and Establishment of Parliamentary System: A Critical Reevaluation

Nser ad-Dn shah’s rule in Iran (1264-1313/1848-1899), as the longest period ofsultanate during Qjr era (1797-1925), witnessed an unprecedented expansion ofrelations with Europe. Due to this development, a considerable volume of modernthoughts and technologies introduced the country. It was not the mere result however,and certain economic and political challenges emerged too. Beside the efforts made bysome independent intellectuals to introduce certain reforms to the political structure,there were also a group of traditional politicians who felt the necessity of reform aswell. This group of reformists maintained a rather conservative approach to politicalreform. Murtez Qul Khn San’ al-dawlah was a paramount figure in this groupwhose approach to political reform is a case of special importance and worth of anadequate study. The present study concentrated on this figure and his role inestablishing the parliamentary system in Iran as well as his contribution to theintroduction of modern industry to the country. It claims a special importance for thesocial background of Hedyat family to which San’ al-Dawlah belonged and hisgraduate studies in Germany. According to author, this social and educationalbackground prepared San’ al-Dawlah with an emphatic concern for introduction ofwestern technology to Naserid Iran. However, San’ al-Dawlah career was not limitedto this. He also played an effective role in constitutional revolution and cooperatedactively to establish parliamentary system in Iran.