Abstract:
The period of reforms from above under the Qajars wasmainly dominated by the thinking and actions of Abbas Mirza, Qaem Maqam, Amir Kabir, Mirza Hosseln Khan Sepahsalar, and Mirza All Khan Amln-ol-Dowleh. The Ideas of this period, following the emergence of national unity In Iran with the rl,e of AqaMohammad Khan, entered a new stage. The new dynasty and elites•In the period wished to answer the Iranians' questions regardingthe backwardness of Iran •. The quality of the realization of modernity, regulation of the relationship between religion and polltlcs, the kind of relations with the outside world, and the Internal and external obstacles to the reforms were the most Important discussions proposed for and by those political elites who carried the notions of reforms from above. All these reformers undertook their actions In the Qajar period with varying degrees of success.
Machine summary:
In fact, the earliest modernistic efforts in Iran during the Qajar era and the Constitutional Revolution were closely related to inclination toward advancement as a result of increasing awareness about Iran's backwardness as well as military, political, social, economic and cultural developments in the country?' Also, repeated defeats of Fathali Shah from the Tsarist Russia, squandering budget by the king and his cronies, unorganized domestic economy, the tyranny oflocal governors and rulers, collaboration between a group of clergy and statesmen, arrival of political and military delegations from Russia and.
His main measures included military training and infusing harsh discipline, changing military uniforms, building gun manufacturing factories in Tehran and Isfahan, building a weapons factory in Tabriz, exploiting copper and lead mines to meet military needs, using the word 'soldier' in place of 'military man' and correspondence with foreign dignitaries including Prince Metternich, chancellor of Austria, to order the latest weapons as well as signing contracts with the European countries for purchasing the most modern arms.
However, Abbas Mirza and his chancellor, whose role has been largely ignored in some cases in books of history, did not limit their efforts to the military, but also paid attention to other theoretical, social, sanitary, economic, judicial, human rights and minority rights fields too.
Adamiyat believes that the historical importance of Amir Kabir's task has three aspects: promoting modern culture and industry, safeguarding national identity and political independence of Iran in the face of Western onslaught and politica~ reforms he initiated in the country combined with fighting civil .