The Status and Role of the Nasiri-Ordubadi Family in the Bureaucracy of the Safavid Era

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of History, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Mazandaran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of History, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Mazandaran h.shojaee@umz.ac.ir

Abstract

Throughout Iranian history, bureaucrats (divansalaran) have played a crucial role in the consolidation, continuity, and longevity of governments. Following shifts in political power, they were often recalled to court to resume the cycle of administrative and bureaucratic affairs. Many of these officials transmitted their knowledge and professional experience to their descendants, perpetuating this vocation across generations.
Among these families, the Nasiri Tusi Ordubadi lineage served within the Safavid bureaucratic apparatus for more than two centuries. This qualitative study, employing a descriptive–analytical method and a case study approach, seeks to elucidate related issues based on primary historical sources and manuscripts. It first examines the bureaucratic positions held by members of the Ordubadi family during the Safavid period and the means by which they attained these roles. It then explores their contributions to the development of the bureaucratic (divani) literature of the era.
Findings indicate that the Ordubadis achieved and maintained their administrative status through a combination of individual merit and competence, as well as through reliance on familial networks. Moreover, by ensuring the coherence, transmission, and continuation of bureaucratic traditions, the family transmitted their accumulated administrative knowledge and experience to successive generations. As evidenced by historical sources and manuscripts, they played a significant role in shaping the bureaucratic literature of the Safavid period, leaving a valuable and enduring legacy.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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  • Receive Date: 30 April 2025
  • Revise Date: 16 July 2025
  • Accept Date: 30 July 2025

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