Amir Kabir - Mirza Taghi Khan Farahani

Mirza Taghi Khan Farahani, better known as Amir Kabir, was one of the most influential and innovative figures in the history of Iran. He served as the chief minister to Naser al-Din Shah Qajar for the first three years of his reign and initiated many reforms in various fields such as education, administration, military, trade, and foreign policy. He is widely regarded as "Iran's first reformer" and a pioneer of modernization in Iran. Amir Kabir was born in 1807 in Hazaveh, a village near Arak, in what is now Markazi Province of Iran. His father, Karbalayi Ghorban, was a cook in the service of Mirza Bozorg Qa'em-Maqam, a prominent minister and governor under the Qajar dynasty. Amir Kabir first assisted his father in domestic duties in the household of Mirza Bozorg, who noticed his intelligence and talent and had him educated with his own children. Amir Kabir entered government service at a young age and rose through the ranks to become a military registrar, a finance officer, and a commander of the army of Azerbaijan. He participated in many diplomatic missions abroad, such as delineating the Ottoman-Iranian border, negotiating trade agreements with Russia and Britain, and defending Iranian sovereignty over Mohammareh (present-day Khorramshahr). He also fought against the Turkmen tribes who raided the northeastern provinces of Iran. In 1848, after the death of Mohammad Shah Qajar, Amir Kabir played a crucial role in securing the throne for Naser al-Din Shah, the young crown prince who was in Tabriz at the time. He escorted him to Tehran and became his chief minister and confidant. He also married Ezzat ed-Dowleh, the sister of Naser al-Din Shah's mother. As the prime minister, Amir Kabir embarked on a series of reforms that aimed to modernize and strengthen Iran. He established Dar ul-Funun, the first modern institution of higher education in Iran, where students learned sciences, languages, engineering, medicine, and military skills. He also founded the first Iranian newspaper, Vaghaye-Ettefaghieh (The Events), to inform the public about domestic and international affairs. He reorganized the administration and reduced corruption and nepotism. He improved the army and the navy and built new arsenals and factories. He encouraged trade and industry and opened new markets for Iranian products. He revised the tax system and increased the state revenue. He also pursued a balanced foreign policy and resisted foreign interference and pressure from Russia and Britain. However, Amir Kabir's reforms also aroused opposition from various groups who felt threatened by his power and policies. These included the conservative clergy who resented his secular approach to education and law; the nobility who lost their privileges and influence; the tribal chiefs who were subdued by his centralization; and some members of the royal family who envied his authority over the young shah. They formed a coalition against him and plotted to undermine his position. They also exploited the shah's insecurity and jealousy and convinced him that Amir Kabir was planning to usurp his throne. In 1851, Naser al-Din Shah dismissed Amir Kabir from office and exiled him to Fin Garden in Kashan. There, he was assassinated by Ali Khan Maraghei, an agent of the shah, on 10 January 1852. He was buried in the same garden, where his tomb is now a national monument. Amir Kabir is widely admired and respected in Iran as a visionary leader and a national hero. His reforms are considered to be the foundation of Iran's modernization and development. He is also regarded as a martyr who sacrificed his life for the sake of his country and people. His legacy is celebrated in literature, art, and popular culture.