Unifying Society in the Opposition of Political Authority:

The Declaration of the Constitution and the Ulema in the Qajar Era

Abstract

It is undeniable that the ulema in Islamic society had a definite influence on the organization of daily life and education. From the end of the 18th century onwards, the occupation of the Islamic world by imperial powers, the political and social fragmentation resulting from the loss of Muslims' political and military power, the rise of non-Muslims living with Muslims to a dominant position, and the backwardness of Muslims were among the problems faced by the Qajar dynasty. In addition, the Shiite ulema's position among the social classes and the political, economic and social crisis during the Qajar Dynasty necessitated the declaration of the constitutional government. This study aims to make sense of Iran's unique position within the Islamic world's constitutionalist movements through the ulema. Within the framework of the study, the position of the Shah as the holder of political power, the influence of the Shiite ulema and the ability of this influence to unite the social opposition centres will be examined through the constitutional constitution.