The cultural-political role of Qajar rule in the emergence and expansion of Shaykhyyah, Babism and Bahaism
- Author(s)
- Akbar Bagheri; Hamzeh Ahmadi
- Year
- 2026
- Language
- Persian
- Journal
- Journal of Shi'a Studies
- Volume
- 12
- Issue
- 29
- Pages
- 39-64
Description
Government support or opposition to sects throughout history has had a great impact on their expansion or isolation. During the Qajar era, three sects, Sheikhiyyah, Babism, and Baha’iism, flourished in the cultural and religious context of the time. Despite the many shortcomings of these sects, their continued existence and development during that era provided the basis for raising questions about the possible role of the Qajar government in the emergence and expansion of these sects. Examining this relationship can help to better understand the social and religious developments of that era, and on the other hand, this analysis shows how government support or suppression can affect emerging sects and change their course. Although the fundamental role of the colonial countries of England and Russia and the unwavering support of the Ottoman Empire in the emergence and spread of Babism and Baha'iism in Iran is undeniable, considering the ups and downs of these sects during the Qajar era, this study, using a descriptive-analytical method, has examined the role of Qajar cultural and political policies in the formation and spread of the Sheikhiyya, Babism, and Baha'i sects. The results show that supportive policies, religious tolerance, and the lack of decisive action against.