Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Professor, Public International Law, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2 LLM, Public Law, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Introduction
Law has been a central concept throughout different periods of pre-constitutional reforms, reflecting the different stages of Iranian constitutionalism. The evolution of this concept illustrates the development of reformist ideas in Iran, highlighting its significance. The initial phase of Iran’s legal reforms occurred during the Naseri period, influenced by the reforms in Russia and the Ottoman Empire. The first efforts by Iranians aimed to limit autocratic and unlimited power. In the early stages of reform, the concept of order emerged as a criterion for assessing the state of society, shaping Iranians’ understanding of the concept of law. The current study aimed to examine the relationship between the two concepts of law and order, focusing on the views of Mirza Malkam Khan Nazim al-Dawla.
Literature Review
Many studies have taken political and historical perspectives to analyze the events leading up to the constitutional revolution in Iran and the associated thinkers. However, legal researchers have paid less attention to how Iranians during the Naseri period initially understood the concept of law, an understanding that was influenced by their desire for order.
Materials and Methods
The present study employed a descriptive–analytical approach. The methods of library research and note-taking were used to collect data from historical sources.
Results and Discussion
Any reform or revolution that occurs in different regions is influenced by its specific requirements. The traditions of each society stem from the ideas of a nation developed over many years of social existence, and their impact on changes and revolutions in society is undeniable. Iran’s constitutional movement is no exception. A notable aspect of Iran’s political situation prior to the constitutional revolution was the lack of order that could organize relationships. The absence of order, which reached its peak during the Qajar era, significantly influenced political relations. The lack of order can be seen as the reason contributing to the centrality of the concept of law in all developments during the Qajar era. The evolution of the concept of law during the Qajar era illustrates how Iranian reformist thought transitioned from the era of Tanzimat to parliamentary constitutionalism. Analyzing the writings from this period reveals that during the initial reforms of the Naseri period, the concept of order took on significant meaning and became a standard for evaluating Iran’s situation. At that time, Iran was often described as lacking order compared to other countries, with tyranny identified as its most prominent manifestation. Malkam Khan was the first pre-constitutional thinker to try to develop a specific understanding of the concept of law. His works suggest that the defining feature of the concept of law during the pre-constitutional era was its focus on curbing tyranny and absolute power—seen as the primary causes of disorder—by limiting the power of governors to the law. This law was not envisioned as opposing monarchy per se, but rather as opposing tyranny. Therefore, if a monarchy was orderly, it could coexist with this conception of law. In such a context, law was not a democratic principle aimed at overthrowing the monarchy; rather, it was very centralist. Through the establishment of new institutions, it sought to transform traditional governance into one characterized by order. In addition, the concept of law was understood in a pragmatic and objective manner, akin to substantive law, with little emphasis on the cultural and social foundations or traditional origins of laws. This led to a strong inclination toward imitating the laws of other countries, and any consideration of the relationship between law and Sharia was regarded as irrelevant.
Conclusion
What stands out in the works of the Qajar thinkers is the association between the concepts of law and order, with each term frequently mentioned in relation to the other. This relationship influenced the interpretation of law as a system building concept for establishing order in the chaotic situation of Iran. The most critical aspect of the lack of order in Iranian society was the presence of absolute and arbitrary power, which operated without any restrictions. Consequently, the concept of law emerged as an alternative to tyranny. Malkam Khan, a prominent intellectual of the pre-constitutional period, explored this idea in his works. Although this conception of law ultimately proved unsuccessful in politics and faced serious criticisms of its theoretical foundations, it marked an initial and significant shift from the tyrannical governance to the legal governance.
Keywords
Main Subjects
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