Exploring the Position of Ghourkhaneh in the Military Structure of Qajar Era

Document Type : Original Article

Author

MA in Iranology, Imam Reza International University; Researcher at the Astan Quds Razavi Document Center, Mashhad, Iran

Abstract
The territorial disputes with neighboring countries and internal insecurities in the Qajar period made it necessary to implement governmental reforms in the army structure. Taking an analytical approach, focusing on archives, and relying on documents of Astan Quds Razavi over 1268-1292 AH, this study tried to examine the organizational structure of the Qajar army. This study intended to see how the organizational structure of the Qajar army was and what the position of arsenal section (Qourkhaneh) was in this structure. Reviewing the related literature showed lack of conducting studies on this issue. The results showed that the Iranian army during this period, despite its inefficiencies, featured with a cohesive system divided into four sections: cavalry, infantry, artillery, and the arsenal. This structure was part of a higher hierarchical structure that embraced Qajar Khans, royal and provincial servant cavalry, military corps (including adjutants and pioneers), soldier corps (including infantry soldiers), and extra-military corps (including small local cavalry and infantry units). In this structure, the arsenal came under the pioneers section and was responsible for fabricating and repairing weapons as well as providing the necessities. The section was composed of the people of two sub-sections: officials and manufacturers, whose salaries and wages were paid through drafts.

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