Bazaaris (بازاریها) ( چَرْشِی)
Definition and Overview
The term bazaaris refers to the small shopkeepers and merchants constituting a significant segment of the traditional middle class in Iran. Known for their notable influence both in economic and religious spheres, the bazaaris have been historically engaged in and financially supportive of various religious organizations, mosques, educational programs, and religious leaders. This sector has also frequently invested economic power and harnessed broad public support to challenge state policies, especially those perceived as favoring foreign interests against the aspirations and values of the Iranian people and Islam.
Etymology
The word “bazaaris” is etymologically rooted in the Persian word “بازار” (bāzār), meaning “market” or “marketplace.” This term finds parallels in Turkish as çarşı (چَرْشِی), which also means marketplace.
Historical Involvement
The bazaaris have played crucial roles in several significant historical movements:
- The 1870s Tobacco Revolt: The bazaaris sided with the ulama (Islamic religious scholars) to resist the state’s monopoly grant to a British company, perceived as economically exploitative.
- The 1905 Constitutional Revolution: They supported the establishment of a constitutional government, motivated by desires to safeguard economic freedoms and limit autocratic power.
- Mosaddeq’s 1950s Coalition: Allied with Dr. Mohammad Mosaddeq in opposition to Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s pro-Western policies, which undermined Iranian economic sovereignty.
- The 1979 Islamic Revolution: Played a significant part in the overthrow of the Pahlavi regime, buoyed by their deep interconnectedness with religious figures advocating for Islamic governance and an end to perceived corruption and Western dependency.
Influence in Religious and Educational Spheres
The bazaaris have channeled their resources to sponsor religious and philanthropic initiatives, thus fostering a strong link with the ulama. By financing mosque constructions, educational initiatives, and supporting religious figures outspoken against governmental policies, they have shaped the socio-political landscape, leveraging religious sentiments to bolster mass support against policies deemed harmful.
Suggested Readings
To further explore the rich history and impact of the bazaaris, consider these scholarly works:
- Keddie, Nikki R. Modern Iran: Roots and Results of Revolution. Yale University Press, 2003.
- Abrahamian, Ervand. Iran Between Two Revolutions. Princeton University Press, 1983.
- Algar, Hamid. Religion and State in Iran, 1785-1906: The Role of the Ulama in the Qajar Period. University of California Press, 1969.
Takeaways
- Economic Influence: The bazaaris wielded notable economic power that they utilized to influence political and religious landscapes.
- Religious Alliance: Their collaboration with the ulama was pivotal in achieving mass support and legitimizing oppositional movements.
- Historical Impact: The bazaaris were key players in major anti-state initiatives throughout Iran’s recent history, reflecting broader societal undercurrents of resistance to autocratic and foreign influence.
Conclusion
The bazaaris, as a cornerstone of Iran’s traditional middle-class sector, have etched their mark in the annals of Iranian socio-political history through their strategic economic actions and enduring alliances with religious entities. Thrusting economic interests into the realm of political and religious activism, they underscored the interconnectedness of Iranian society’s commercial, political, and religious facets.
