Karim Khan Zand
The Zand dynasty ruled Persia in the 18th century A.D after the overthrow of the Afsharid dynasty. The Zand tribe is from the Lur race and the Lak tribe. The dynasty was started by Karim Khan Zand, known as the people’s lawyer, in 1751 A.D.
Karim Khan Background
He was a military official in Nader Shah’s army, and after Nader Shah Afshar died, he also returned to the country. He changed the title of lawyer, formerly known to the commanders of the states, to the lawyer of the people and kept the title for himself until the end of his life, announcing to everyone that he should be called the people’s lawyer. He was not happy to have the title of Shah (King) with him.
Karim Khan Zand, the people’s lawyer
He made the city of Malayer temporarily his capital and headquarters, where he could dominate all of Persia, and then made the city of Shiraz his capital. Karim Khan Zand was able to bring all the central, northern, western, and southern parts of Persia under his power. Shiraz flourished under Karim Khan Zand’s rule. He built many citadels, markets, baths, and mosques. He also sought to establish security and justice and promote trade and agriculture. Because of his character, the following characteristics can be attributed to him: He had a paternal personality in governing, a sense of humor, respect for the virtuous, without religious prejudice, and without superstitions.
The people’s lawyer Territory
Karim Khan Zand was able to defeat all his rivals, including Mohammad Khan Qajar and Azad Khan Afghan, after sixteen years of constant struggle and take control of the central, northern, western, and southern parts of Persia. His brother, Sadeq Khan Zand, also succeeded in separating Basra from the Ottoman Empire, thus asserting the influence of the Persian government over the Arvand River, Bahrain, and the southern islands of the Persian Gulf. He ruled Persia during his reign and, contrary to the custom of all kings, refused to attend the coronation ceremony. He paid specific attention to the development of the country. The period of his rule is one of the quietest periods of government in Persia, and trade flourished during the period. Karim Khan Zand did not show any prejudice against religious beliefs, and in his time, the followers of all religions were treated the same. In his time, works of art gained value; the value, which after his death, unfortunately, quickly took the path of decline and went extinct. He contracted tuberculosis at the age of 74 and had become weaker and weaker due to old age. But he did not give up and got out of bed so that the tribes could temporarily give up their fantasies and the people would feel safe again. He was angry to see that many people in the court were waiting for his death and, in the last months of his life, he issued strange and strict orders that were not very compatible with his spirits, and finally, he died in 1779 A.D.