Analytical Review of the Performance of Fars' Amniyeh (gendarmerie) Forces in the Fight against Smuggling of Goods during the First Pahlavi period (from 1304-1320 AH/ 1925-1941 AD)

Abstract

In this paper, the performance of Amniyeh (gendarmerie), as the law reinforcement organization responsible for maintaining order and security in villages and roads during the Pahlavi I period is reviewed. Amniyeh and Nazmiyeh (Police Force) were responsible for maintaining order and security in areas under their protection. During the Pahlavi I period, most areas in Fars Province were covered by the Amniyeh as a military force, and Nazmiyeh’s presence was limited to major towns, and it was not present at all stages of Pahlavi I period. Unlike Nazmiyeh, Amniyeh would not perform its duties completely free of marginal issues. The questions that this research aims to answer are: 1) What is the most significant change in the organization of the Amniyeh Force? 2) What impact did these developments have on security and smuggling of goods in Fars? 3. Why did not the force succeed in eradicating smuggling in Fars? The method is descriptive-analytical based on the unpublished documents of the National Organization of Fars Foundation. The results of this study indicate a relative decline in the smuggling of goods in Fars as a result of reforms in the Amniyeh.

Keywords

• Amniyeh
• Fars
• Smuggling
• Pahlavi I period