The Impact of the Russo-Iranian War of 1826-1828 on the Struggle for Power in Iran

Abstract

The Russo-Iranian War of 1826-1828 had a significant impact on the struggle for power within Iran. This war, which ended with the signing of the Treaty of Turkmenchay, revealed the weakness of the Qajar state in the face of external forces, leading to the destabilization of the ruling regime. The military defeat affected the position of Fath Ali Shah, as internal challenges began to emerge from political and military elites who doubted his ability to lead the country. The loss of territory in the Caucasus to Russia also impacted the Iranian economy, increasing social and political pressures. Furthermore, these wars strengthened the role of Abbas Mirza, the crown prince, who attempted to reform and modernize the Iranian army. However, these reforms were not sufficient to avoid defeat, leading to the continued struggle for power within the Qajar dynasty.

The war also revealed that the maneuvers and interests of European countries prolonged the Iranian-Russian wars through their diplomatic and political intrigues, which ultimately led Iran to sign unequal treaties with them. The weakness of the Qajar authority and the instability of their ruling system, as a result of these long wars and the defeats that accompanied them, were evident in a series of movements and uprisings that took place in many parts of Iran, as well as in the massacre of the Russian embassy in Tehran, which was a reflection of the anger of the masses against their rulers.