The Military Structure of the Qajar State (1795–1925) through the Eyes of Foreign Travelers

Abstract

This paper is an analysis and assessment of a noticeable subject in the period of the reign of the Qajar state (1795–1925), particularly concerning its military structure and characteristics. Its high spot the assessment of the military structure from the viewpoint of foreign travellers who went to Persia during that period. The study tries to discover their observations on the formation of the army and its military arrangement, the organization of military institutions, and the types of military forces. In addition, it outlines their training methods, weapons, ammo, and goods of the Qajar army, food and provisions, military costs, the roles of local officials and foreign experts, plus the challenges and difficulties facing the army. This military structure was alike to that of prior rulers, depend basically on recruiting troops from many tribes, clans, and regions throughout the country. Despite efforts at reform in this field, the strength of the tribes and their rule over a number of parts of the country stopped the formation of a perpendicular national army. Furthermore, corruption, shortcomings, and not strong military logistics expose another set of difficulties in the general military organization, which hamper reforms from taking root. Finally—apart from a few efforts—the intervention of local khans and leaders, beside with the shortage of a clear vision and plan for modern military discipline to make the army to be a tool to save the country and protect it, failed to bring about essential changes in the army's structure.