In a country so backward in constitutional progress, so
destitute of forms and statutes and charters, and so firmly stereotyped in the
immemorial traditions of the East, the personal element, as might be expected,
is largely in the ascendant; and the government of Persia is little else than
the arbitrary exercise of authority by a series of units in a descending scale
from the sovereign to the headman of a petty village. The only check that
operates upon the lower official grades is the fear of their superiors, which
means can usually be found to assuage; upon the higher ranks the fear of the
sovereign, who is not always closed against similar methods of pacification;
and upon the sovereign himself the fear, not of native, but of foreign opinion,
as represented by the hostile criticism of the European Press.... The Sháh,
indeed, may be regarded at this moment as perhaps the best existing specimen of
a moderate despot; for within the limits indicated he is practically
irresponsible and omnipotent. He has absolute command over the life and
property of every one of his subJects. His sons have no independent power, and
can be reduced to impotence or beggary in the twinkling of an eye. The
ministers are elevated and degraded at the royal pleasure. The sovereign is the
sole executive, and all officials are his deputies. No civil tribunals are in
existence to check or modify his prerogative.
- Lord Curzon (Extract from
“Persia and the Persian Question”, quoted by Shoghi Effendi in the Introduction
to the Dawn-Breakers)
