Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Assistant professor, Political Science, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
2
Ph.D Candidate, Political Science, Political Thoughts, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction
The constitutional movement in Iran, which was accompanied by many ups and downs, called for various changes at the political and social levels. The numerous demands that were made under the heading of constitution in an attempt to respond to the political system in Iran, they were accompanied by different readings in various opinions procedures in practice. It was considered for a variety of reasons, including the rigidity of the ruling political structure and the providing a sudden opportunity for public demands, movements calling for widespread fundamental changes and even posed a threat to the principle of movement. This inevitably raises a radical dimension among the people, which not only led to some extremism and violence by some constitutionalists, but also it provoked the opposition against the constitutionalism including the monarchists as well as their religious and social allies. In the face of this situation, one of the important tendencies was to try to conserve moderation in the popular struggles, which on the one hand it bordered on the supporters of absolute monarchy, and the same time it called for avoiding of extremism and radical actions. Martyr Thiqat al Islam Tabrizi can be considered as a prominent figure of this movement who was committed to adopting a moderate approach and avoiding of violence and extremism, both in terms of his view and practical way.
Methodology
The present article argues that the general characteristics of conservative thought, including caution about the direct presence of the rabble in politics and the need to control the intensity of their actions while believing in the need to demarcate with the reactionaries of the status quo advocates and striving for gradual changes are one of the important pillars of the view of Thiqat al –Islam. Therefore, in this article, while referring to the principles of epistemology, anthropology, and also the political thought of conservatism, the opinions and consequently the political action of Thiqat al–Islam are analyzed.
Findings
The findings of this study are discussed under the following themes:
1. Conservatism is generally defined as resistance to change and desire to conserve the status quo old traditions and institutions.
2.Conservatives see tradition as the foundation of social order, so they are highly skeptical of change, especially large and sudden changes and more than a violent revolution that transforms the established order.
3. Conservatives generally advocate for changes to conserve traditions and they increase individual and social security.
4. Anthropologically, conservatives have a pessimistic view of the nature of human. This conservative belief is justified by various aspects, such as religious and psychological. They believe that humans are naturally selfish, thirsty for power and prone to chaos.
Analysis
Conservatives have believed in the existence of a supreme authority in society and they have always opposed the presence of the rabble in politics. They have a pessimistic view of freedom from a liberalism perspectives. Another central feature of conservatism, despite of differences in tendencies, is the belief in inequality in society and the failure of any attempt to create the equality and the social leveling.
Conclusion
Thiqat al-Islam Tabrizi, as a prominent figure mentioned in this article as an example of conservatism in Iran, shows some of characteristics of conservatism under what can be called the “Iranian constitution”. What evident in his thought, on the one hand his prudence and caution and warning about extremism and radical movements, called for a change in the constitution, which is in line with conservative thought. In addition, in terms of anthropology, Thiqat al –Islam has a more supportive view of people than a pessimistic view of human beings, and explicitly he mentions their status as minors in the complex field of politics. Of course, his view as he himself states, comes from a different view from the equality of the modern age. He distinguishes between having right with the ability and the necessary conditions to the exercising right. Despite all his efforts to defend the constitution, he doesn’t speak explicitly about the role of the people and the belief in the possibility of their empowerment, and it is not clear when the people will acquire the necessary competence and jurisdiction to full political participation and the realization of their right. In cases such as the generalization of the right of the vote, he is concerned that the establishment of a new order in politics and granting of the right to all, it creates opportunities that all the consequences cannot be summed up in the future and perhaps the job may be in the hands of incompetents who under the pretext of this, try to confiscate the positive achievements of the constitution.
Keywords
Main Subjects
)