Historical Studies

Historical Studies

The Social Functions of Gilan's Assemblies in the Constitutional Era (Case Study: Provincial and State Assemblies)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Azam Esmaeilzadeh 1
Mohammad Hasan Moradi 2
Saeed Sadeghi 3
1 Assistant professor, Department of History, Payam Nour University, Tehran, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of History, Payam Nour University,Tehran,Iran
3 Assistant professor, Department of Scientiae Politicae, Payam Nour University, Tehran, Iran
10.30465/hcs.2025.52051.3037
Abstract
Abstract
The Iranian Constitutional Revolution (1906) transformed not only the political structure but also the social sphere and civil institutions of the country. Among these changes, "Associations" (Anjumans) emerged as a new phenomenon arising from the relatively free atmosphere following the revolution, becoming hubs for public participation in determining their own destiny. In the progressive and strategic region of Gilan, which served as a gateway to Europe and the Caucasus, provincial and regional associations formed as official local governance bodies.
Although previous studies have generally addressed the role of associations during the Constitutional era, and some have even mentioned Gilan's associations, there is a significant research gap regarding the specific social functions of these local institutions in Gilan. Using a historical and descriptive-analytical method, and drawing on newspapers from the Constitutional period and library resources, this study seeks to answer the question: what social functions did the provincial and regional associations of Gilan serve, and how did these activities impact the social structure of the region? The findings indicate that these associations operated in four main areas: security-building (managing the peasant movement, overseeing administrations, and protecting foreign nationals); justice-seeking (using judicial authority to abolish oppressive customs and address complaints); health and educational developments (establishing health councils, hospitals, and new schools); and political mobilization (organizing forces and collecting donations for the conquest of Tehran). Despite challenges such as dependence on the central government and internal disputes, these associations played a crucial role in the social transformations of Gilan and provided an indigenous model for participatory local governance.
Keywords: Gilan, Constitutionalism, Provincial and State Assemblies, Social Functions, Local Governance.
 
Introduction
The assemblies that emerged after the Constitutional Revolution were crucial platforms for public participation. In Gilan, a progressive region serving as a gateway to Europe and the Caucasus, these institutions were particularly significant. Although previous research has addressed the general role of assemblies, a detailed analysis of the social functions of the official Provincial and State Assemblies of Gilan has received less attention. This study aims to fill this gap by answering the question: What were the social functions of these assemblies, and how did their activities impact the social structure of the region?
 
Materials & Methods
This research is based on a historical methodology with a descriptive-analytical approach. The primary sources include newspapers from the Constitutional era, such as Ruznāmeh-ye Anjoman-e Velāyati-ye Gilān, Ruznāmeh-ye Gilān, Kheir-ol-Kalam, Habl-ol-Matin, and Majles, which provide direct reports on the assemblies' activities. These are supplemented by secondary sources, including memoirs and scholarly books. The analysis focuses on the activities of the official assemblies, distinguishing them from informal associations to accurately delineate their social roles.
 
Discussion & Results
The examination of documents and reports from the Constitutional period shows that the Provincial and State Assemblies of Gilan played roles in various social spheres and left behind multiple functions. As legal and popular institutions, these assemblies bore extensive responsibilities for the welfare and progress of the people of Gilan. According to reports from the newspaper Kheir-ol-Kalam, these assemblies were tasked with supervising administrations, promoting public education, preventing the oppression of peasants by landlords, and safeguarding the foundations of constitutionalism.
These duties indicate a comprehensive perspective on local governance. The functions of these assemblies can be categorized into the following seven areas:
1. The Role of the Assemblies in Managing the Peasant Movement and Establishing Order The Gilan State Assembly played a central role in managing the peasant movement(1907-1909). This movement, aimed at changing landlord-peasant relations, involved peasant resistance to paying dues such as the "silkworm rearing share" (Haqq-e Pile'i). As the sole official mediating body, the Assembly attempted to reconcile peasants and landlords by holding numerous meetings, although a complete resolution of the conflicts was not achieved. This role-playing, albeit limited by its dependence on a parliament dominated by landowners, demonstrates an effort to establish order based on dialogue.
2. Mediation and Issuing Judicial Rulings These assemblies used their judicial authority to restore people's rights.A notable action was the abolition of the "marriage permit fee" that peasants were forced to pay to landlords for their daughters' marriages. Furthermore, they addressed people's complaints against state officials, such as the mayor (Dārugha) of Rasht, and even pursued punishment for transgressing Fedayeen. These actions strengthened the assemblies' position as a recourse for justice.
3. Supporting Government Employees and Restoring Their Rights The Gilan Provincial Assembly supported the rights of government employees,including police and judiciary staff who sometimes went months without pay. Through persistent follow-ups, the Assembly succeeded in reopening the closed-down judiciary and addressing the demands of various groups, even municipal attendants. This support solidified the Assembly's role as a bridge between the people and the central government.
4. Supervision of Urban Affairs and Ensuring Public Security The assemblies took steps to ensure public security and order by supervising public places like coffeehouses and gambling dens,and by planning for ceremonies such as Chaharshanbe Suri. They also worked to ensure the safety of foreign nationals by sending reassuring telegrams to foreign representatives.
5. Health Functions The establishment of health councils(Anjoman-e Hefz-o-Sehheh) in Rasht and Lahijan, dispatching agents for free smallpox vaccinations, and setting up quarantine stations at ports were among the health measures undertaken by these assemblies. Furthermore, the municipal council (Anjoman-e Baldiyeh) under their supervision significantly contributed to public health by cleaning streets and monitoring public baths and food sales.
6. Educational and Cultural Functions The Provincial Assembly,by supporting the formation of the Anjoman-e Ma'aref (Education Council), endeavored to establish new schools, including girls' schools, and public reading rooms. Additionally, they published the newspaper "Ruznāmeh-ye Anjoman-e Velāyati-ye Gilān" to enlighten and raise public awareness.
7. The Role of the Assemblies in Supporting Constitutionalists and Political Developments During the Lesser Autocracy,the Gilan Provincial Assembly played a key role in the conquest of Tehran by issuing declarations, collecting donations, and organizing forces. The Assembly also telegraphed the Parliament numerous times to counter the Russian occupation of Gilan, although it was ultimately dissolved due to Russian dominance.
 
Conclusion
The Provincial and State Assemblies of Gilan played an essential role in translating the ideals of the Constitutional Revolution into tangible social changes at the local level. They functioned as multifunctional institutions active in the domains of security, justice, public health, education, and political mobilization. Despite their short lifespan, these assemblies established a pioneering model of participatory local governance that was rooted in Gilan's communal culture while also inspired by modern principles. Their ultimate failure was not primarily due to internal defects but occurred under the influence of external pressures, particularly Russian intervention and an unfavorable balance of power at the national level. The experience of these assemblies left a valuable legacy for subsequent social and political movements in Gilan, including the Jungle Movement (Jonbesh-e Jangal), highlighting the enduring importance of local institutions during periods of national transition.
Keywords
Gilan
Constitutionalism
Provincial and state assemblies
social functions
local Governance
Subjects
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Historical Studies
Volume 17, Issue 1 - Serial Number 33
Spring and Summer 2026-2027
April 2026
Pages 291-325

  • Receive Date 03 June 2025
  • Revise Date 09 October 2025
  • Accept Date 02 November 2025