In Search of Reforms: A Study of Iran Newspaper Editorials in the Winter of 1297 AH

Author

Assistant Professor,, Archival Research Institute, National Library and Archives of Iran

Abstract

In examining the editorials of the Iran newspaper in the winter of 1297 AH, the authors' attention to the necessity and process of reforms in Iran is remarkable. It should be noted that World War I had a profound impact on Iran. The disintegration of the political and administrative organization, the effects of famine and disease, and the weakening of social and economic infrastructures had all made the situation critical. In the years after the war, the need for reforms was felt among politicians in society, but there was no clear plan for this. On the other hand, the failure to convene the Fourth Parliament as a place for discussion and decision-making for the future of Iran added to the problems. Different individuals and groups did not have the opportunity to present their various opinions. In the meantime, the Iran newspaper, as a semi-official media outlet of the government, opened the door to discussion in this field. In the winter of 1297 AH (1919 AD), this newspaper asked various experts to present their proposals for necessary reforms in Iran. Nine long and short texts from people with different views were published in this newspaper, which is the main basis of this research. In this regard, by examining these texts and categorizing the concepts raised in them, we seek to clarify what aspects of change the elites of society considered necessary at that time and which issues they considered a priority. This study, using a qualitative research method and a descriptive-analytical approach to the content of these articles and several texts accompanying them, shows that, according to experts, the priority was to carry out reforms in the administrative organization and to improve economic performance in the field of trade and agricultural production.

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References

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Newspapers and Documents
-Iran, No. 368, Friday, 21 Rabi-ul-Thani 1337 AH/4 Dalu 1297
-Iran, No. 369, Saturday, 23 Rabi-ul-Thani 1337 AH/6 Dalu 1297
-Iran, No. 370, Sunday, 24 Rabi-ul-Thani 1337 AH/7 Dalu 1297
-Iran, No. 371, Wednesday, 26 Rabi-ul-Thani 1337 AH/9 Dalu 1297
-Iran, No. 372, Thursday 27 Rabi' al-Thani 1337 AH/ 10 Dil 1297
-Iran, No. 374, Sunday 30 Rabi' al-Thani 1337 AH/ 13 Dil 1297
-Iran, No. 375, Monday 1 Jumadi al-Awwal 1337 AH/ 14 Dil 1297
-Iran, No. 376, Wednesday 3 Jumadi al-Awwal 1337 AH/ 16 Dil 1297
-Iran, No. 377, Thursday 4 Jumadi al-Awwal 1337 AH/ 17 Dil 1297
-Iran, No. 378, Friday 5 Jumadi al-Awwal 1337 AH/ 18 Dil 1297
-Iran, No. 379, Sunday 7 Jumadi al-Awwal 1337 AH/20 Dil 1297
-Iran, No. 380, Monday 8 Jumadi-ul-Awwal 1337 AH/21 Dil 1297
-Iran, No. 381, Wednesday 10 Jumadi-ul-Awwal 1337 AH/23 Dil 1297
-Cherhnama, No. 60, Ghar Rabi-ul-Awwal 1336
-Cherhnama, No. 61, Rabi-ul-Awwal 1336
-Raad, No. 108, Friday 5 Jumadi-ul-Awwal 1337 AH/20 Dil 1297
-Raad, No. 109, Sunday 7 Jumadi-ul-Awwal 1337 AH/20 Dil 1297
-SACMA/National Library and Archives Organization of Iran, File 2400015223
Journal of Historical Researches of Iran and Islam
Volume 18, Issue 35 - Serial Number 35
November 2025
Pages 233-259

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History

  • Receive Date: 02 May 2024
  • Revise Date: 09 September 2024
  • Accept Date: 30 September 2024

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