Muhammad Mashhan al-Hardan: His Social Life and Political Role until 1958

Abstract

Mohammed Mashhan Al-Hardan is considered one of the most prominent figures and tribal leaders in the Dulaim region during the monarchy (1921-1958). He was able to combine social influence with the ability to exert political influence, which made him an active and influential figure in Iraqi state institutions, especially as he was a member of the Iraqi Parliament and headed the Ministries of Economy and Agriculture. He also represented a model case of a tribal leader who succeeded in moving from tribal influence and leadership based on traditional legitimacy to institutional political influence within the centers of the monarchy. He also contributed to consolidating stability in the Dulaim region, in addition to playing a clear role in parliamentary and ministerial life, making him an important figure for studying his political and social influence in monarchical Iraq, as well as revealing the nature of the interactive relationship and connection between the tribe and the state during that period.

Muhammad Mashhan Al-Hardan witnessed an important transitional phase in Iraqi political history, in which the emerging state institutions intersected with the traditional social structure, making his study essential for understanding that phase. However, Muhammad Mashhan Al-Hardan’s role declined after the July 14, 1958 revolution as a result of the changes that occurred in the political system, as subsequent regimes weakened the tribal leaderships, which prompted him to move away from the political scene and then emigrate.