| چکیده انگلیسی مقاله |
Introduction In the past, nomadic tribes played a decisive role in Iran's political history due to their power and influence. This prominent role of nomads was preserved until the era of Reza Shah Pahlavi. During his reign, efforts were made to diminish the tribes' power by implementing policies such as the establishment of a national army and disarmament campaigns. Various reasons have been cited for Reza Shah's focus on settling the nomadic tribes. One significant factor was their lack of obedience to the central government. The tribes primarily followed their tribal leaders and chiefs, who addressed their needs, solved problems, and managed tribal affairs. As a result, not only did the tribes obey their leaders, but they also supported them in conflicts and wars when necessary. Reza Shah sought to reduce the power of the tribes by transforming their way of life and livelihood, thereby bringing them under state control. Starting in 1927, he launched a campaign to disarm the tribes, conscript their young men into the national army, and settle them permanently. This initiative aimed to eliminate rival powers and address issues such as tribal rebellions, insecurity caused by certain factions, and the tribes' resistance to central authority. Other goals included enhancing the country's military capabilities, reducing the tribes' military strength by absorbing their youth into the national army, modernizing tribal society, fostering national unity by integrating the nomads into the educational system, and promoting loyalty to the Shah and patriotism. To achieve these objectives, the Pahlavi administration established institutions such as the "Settlement Administration" and the "Settlement and Development Administration" to enforce settlement policies. A crucial component of this process was appointing a local leader, known as the Kadkhoda, from among the tribes or sub-tribes. This individual served as a liaison between the government and the tribes, playing a pivotal role in implementing settlement laws. In all historical records related to the settlement of nomads in the Fars province, the Kadkhoda is mentioned as the key figure responsible for organizing and executing tribal affairs during the settlement process. This study seeks to answer two central questions: What were the reasons for the selection and appointment of the Kadkhoda in the settlement process? What responsibilities did the Kadkhoda undertake in the settlement of the Fars nomadic tribes? Materials and Methods The research methodology in this study is based on a historical approach, employing descriptive and analytical methods. The data collection process relies on library research and is grounded in the examination of thirty-eight accessible files available at the National Archives and Library Organization (SAKMA). Documents and resources relevant to the study were reviewed in libraries, research centers, and online databases. After careful analysis, the necessary information was extracted through note-taking and subsequently analyzed. Result and Discussion According to Article 3 of the Settlement Regulations for the Tribes and Nomads of Fars, issued by the Ministry of Interior to the province of Fars on May 9, 1934, it was required to appoint an individual as the Kadkhoda for each tribe and sub-tribe to assist with the settlement process. It is worth noting that the Kadkhoda had to be a member of the respective tribe or sub-tribe and trusted by the elders and leaders of the group, as well as the majority of its members. This individual was tasked with various responsibilities in facilitating the settlement of the nomads. The duties of the Kadkhoda can be categorized into the following areas: Connection with the Central Government: The selected Kadkhodas acted as intermediaries between the tribes and the central government. They were responsible for conveying all information regarding tribal issues and challenges to government officials and, in turn, communicating government directives and policies to the tribes. The Kadkhodas worked closely with government authorities and were tasked with facilitating the settlement process and overseeing socio-economic transformation. Implementation of Settlement Policies: After the enforcement of nomadic settlement policies, the Kadkhodas appointed by the government played the role of executive agents. These Kadkhodas were tasked with implementing settlement policies at the tribal level and facilitating the process of settling the nomads. The specific responsibilities of the Kadkhodas in this regard will be discussed in detail below: Receiving Household Lists and Reporting to Authorities in Case of Settlement Evasion: Upon the appointment of the Kadkhoda, the first step involved providing him with the list of households from the respective tribe or sub-tribe, as well as the statistical records of their livestock. The Kadkhoda was responsible for promptly addressing issues such as the escape of any household from designated settlement areas or the submission of inaccurate livestock data intended to obtain shepherding permits. In such cases, he was required to take immediate action and report the matter to higher authorities. Obliging Tribes to Build Houses and Settle: The Kadkhoda was tasked with ensuring that the members of the tribes under his supervision committed to constructing buildings and houses. One of the primary goals of the nomadic settlement policy was to transition the tribes to a sedentary lifestyle. As part of this initiative, not only were the tribes expected to settle, but also the nomadic lifestyle, particularly the use of black tents (Siah Chador), was to be entirely abolished. Families were required to reside in houses they built themselves. Consequently, laws were enacted to ban nomadic practices, specifically prohibiting the use of black tents. Simultaneously, the black tents were confiscated and their use prohibited. Tribe members were obliged to construct houses, and the Kadkhoda was responsible for enforcing the prohibition of black tents and ensuring that families complied with building permanent homes. Encouraging Farming and Land Ownership: Another responsibility of the Kadkhoda was to oblige the tribes to engage in farming and agriculture. The Kadkhoda was tasked with breaking the tribes away from their nomadic lifestyle and transforming them into sedentary agricultural peasants. The official decree for the Kadkhodas explicitly stated that they should encourage households to participate in agricultural activities, provide "farming facilities" and "other agricultural resources" for them, and prevent any negligence or slackness in farming endeavors. Alignment with Government Policies: In addition to implementing the settlement program, the Kadkhodas were tasked with aligning with the government and enforcing its policies. They played a guiding and supervisory role in collaborating with the state to establish order and discipline among the tribes and within the newly settled villages. Their responsibilities included collecting weapons, conscripting soldiers, and ensuring that individuals obtained identity documents. The reduction of tribal power through major government policies, such as disarmament and limiting their economic independence, marked a turning point in Iran's social transformations during the Pahlavi I era. These measures not only strengthened the government's direct oversight in tribal areas but also led to profound changes in the social identity of the tribes. Furthermore, the settlement process, as a tool for transforming nomadic communities into sedentary societies, altered the structure of power and the social relations between individuals and the central government. Conclusions The Kadkhoda, as a significant figure in the social structure of tribes and clans, played a vital role in the settlement and organization of nomadic communities. The responsibilities of the Kadkhoda in relation to the settlement of tribes were extensive and diverse. On one hand, he was responsible for managing the affairs of the tribes and addressing their issues and challenges. On the other hand, he worked to align tribal communities with the objectives of the government. In this capacity, the Kadkhoda was tasked with integrating nomads into the sedentary, agricultural, and peasant society of traditional rural Iran. His efforts included encouraging tribes to settle, adopt a sedentary lifestyle, build permanent homes, and engage in agriculture. Moreover, he was responsible for collecting weapons from the tribes, facilitating conscription, and ensuring that clan members obtained official identification documents. The Kadkhoda also had responsibilities related to reporting, coordination, and collaboration with the Settlement Administration. He was required to provide accurate information about the number of tribe members, their livestock, and other resources to the settlement officers, correcting and completing any inaccuracies. Thus, the Kadkhoda was one of the most critical pillars in the implementation of the tribal settlement policies in Fars. Undoubtedly, without this position, advancing the settlement process among the tribes would have been impossible or extremely challenging. |