A glance at the Iran history during Qajar dynasty indicates that Mirza Taqi Khan Amir the great has been an open-minded, patriot and anti-Colonial person.

During his premiership many reforms and changes were done such as: reforming tax affairs, the Army, setting budget and balancing the country expenditure, slaughtering the sedition of Hassan Khan Salar in Khorasan city, raising the Iranian banner in foreign countries, establishing Darul Fonoun and Vaghaye Ettefaqieh newspaper.

Meantime, his anti-Colonial character in the unclean atmosphere of political system of the country in which the Colonialists of Russia and England were attracting politicians and influencing on the political men was clear and distinct. Consequently, Dr. Jakob Edward Polak who was invited along with six Austrian masters by Amir the great to teach in Darul Fonoun said about the difference between Amir the great and other political men: “Mirza Taqi Khan was the source of patriotism; that is the principle which is unknown in Iran, the thing which was given and he didn’t receive caused him to be eliminated.[1]”

Meantime, one of the important measures done by Amir the great was repressing the Babi riots which has been confirmed by the Babi and Baha’i historians. So. Nouruddin Chahardehi who is one of the dignitaries of Azalis and Baha’is has been heard that Ali Muhammad Bab and Hayy letters were going to change Qajar regime and to establish Babism government. They could achieve their aim if Amir the great weren’t existant.[2] The very government in which non-Babis must be killed and their works must be destroyed.[3]

Thus, Amir the great stood against Babis violence and savage and prevented them to capture Iran. Amir the great has be mentioned with the worst features by the Babi and Baha’i leaders. As we read in Baha’ism books:

“Mirza Taghi Khan Amir the great was the offspring of Mashhadi Qorban, Qaem Maqam Farahani’s chef… His titles in the divine works are as follows: Bloodthirsty commander, bloodthirsty premier, bloodthirsty Taghi, treacherous premier.[4]”

Fadhel Mazandarani writes: “Mirza Taghi Khan, Naseruddin Shah and Saeedul Ulama Barforoushi are hateful by Babism tribe, first.[5]” ; while the Baha’i leaders claimed in slogan that: “Don’t curse anybody; although he/ she is enemy.[6]” “You must be kind with everybody even the enemies.[7]”

However, it should be confessed that the secret for all these aspersions against Amir the great was due to his expedient, resistance and steadfastness against Babism sedition; because Amir the great held the premiership after Hajj Mirza Aghasi when he had made a hero out of Ali Muhammad Bab Shirazi because of his dependence on the Russians.

History never forget Amir the great. Amir the great is the everlasting man in our history and he has really done great tasks. He has ruled just for 3 years… however, his task was so serious and important that history never forget Amir the great; otherwise, before his premiership and after that when he was exiled to Kashan city there isn’t anything in his case except for just three years.

Seyyed Ali Khamenei

1384/ 06 /08