Governor Midhat Pasha's policy towards the Muntafiq Brigade 1869-1872

Abstract

     In spite of Medhat's Basha short reign, but it had gained an important effect in Iraqi modern history. This importance reincarnated into his arrival to reign Iraq in 1869. He paid agreat attention to achieve his new policy generally in Iraq and in Al-Muntafik Brigade specifically. So, this type of policy had created future effects and consequences which reflected on the social and economic domains. These reforms made Medhat Basha agreat reformer and a pioneer as well. Therefore, these changes enabled him to create a distinctive change in the core of Iraqi society when land law had been applied in 1858 where some of its clauses included domiciliation of tribes on land. Moreover, it was clear that Medhat Basha was zealous to bulid new metropolis that assured and reflected his effective policy to bring Ottomanism citizenship instead of tribal loyality as it was with the establishment of Nasseriyha city. It was considered one of the first urban centers built by the Ottoman government in Iraq and was considered the fruit of the efforts of Governor Midhat Pasha.     

     In addition, the personality of Sheikh Nasser Pasha Al-Saadoun emerged as a prominent and powerful figure in the Muntafiq Brigade, as he combined the title of Sheikh of Muntafiq and the title of Mutasarrif, and became the striking hand of the Ottoman government in southern Iraq, and an implementer of its policy and desires in the region, in addition to his major role in carrying out many service works for the Muntafiq Brigade, and the great services provided to the Ottoman government.