Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 5 Plan
"Teacher, look at this! There are more than a dozen different designs of gold and silver coins on the market right now. How can this possibly revive the economy?"

Naser al-Din showed Amir the coins on the table, utterly astonished by the chaotic monetary system of the Qajar dynasty. Tabriz alone boasted over ten types of silver coins and five types of gold coins, and the system of weights and measures was inconsistent across regions. No wonder the economy was so poor with such a disorganized system.

"It's not just that, Your Highness. I conducted an investigation in Tabriz this time, and the merchants' requests were basically met. There was not only an influx of foreign goods, but also corrupt officials profiting from it."

Amir shared his findings with Nasser al-Din without reservation. Even though he had studied modern economics, he was still shocked by the current state of the Qajar dynasty.

Nearly 4000 million rubles worth of goods enter Iran through here each year. Although only a 5% tariff is levied, that's still 200 million rubles. However, tax officials only hand over 100 million rubles; the rest they pocket.

Moreover, the centrally appointed finance officials wielded considerable power. With the assistance of their assistants, they set tax rates based on the economic conditions of each province. Consequently, many local leaders were willing to bribe these finance officials to impose lower taxes on their provinces, allowing them to enrich themselves. Local elites frequently paid exorbitant fees to solidify their central government approval, ensuring they could exclude potential competitors. They collected taxes under various pretexts, sometimes even resorting to violence, in the name of the central government.

"Damn it, they would never have survived if this had happened before."

Nasserdin is disgusted by these people who line their own pockets, as they are the ones who are hindering Iran's progress and resurgence.

"So, Your Highness, how will you deal with these people?"

Naserdin gritted his teeth and said, "He deserves to die!"

If these people are not eliminated, Nasser al-Din's new policies cannot be implemented. Furthermore, foreign powers will infiltrate the country.

Just as he was fretting, the man he had sent to summon the chief to collect taxes returned, but he looked unwell. Naserdin went downstairs and saw that the man's face was covered in blood and both his ears were missing.

Naserdin went in for a closer look and found it unacceptable that his men had been treated this way.

“Damn it…” Naserdin couldn’t help but exclaim.

"Teacher, do you think if I lead the army to Maragai now, I can wipe them out?"

Amir knew this was an infringement on the governor's supreme authority, but military matters needed to be assessed by professionals.

"Your Highness, this requires the general to conduct an assessment."

Even today, Azerbaijan still has many vassal tribes that govern themselves and further exploit the people. They also obstruct the implementation of local laws. These people must be eliminated.

"Since we're not confident, let's invite them to Tabriz. Let's have a proper discussion and get them to stop opposing us."

Amir didn't know what the governor was planning, but it was certainly something momentous. All he could do was invite the tribal chiefs to Tabriz, telling them the governor wanted to treat them to a meal.

"Sir, a few young men have arrived and say they wish to see the Governor."

Amir assumed they were just like the merchants, here to protest, and invited them in anyway, wanting to hear what they wanted. Sadiq and several other young men arrived at the governor's mansion, confident he could persuade them. Suleiman also came, pleading with the governor to allow them to study abroad.

"Are you here today to protest as well?" Amir asked the crowd.

"My lord, the country is currently facing an unprecedented crisis. We hope to travel to Europe to study, but we do not have enough funds. I wonder if the governor could provide us with financial assistance?"

Although he had sent people to study in Europe before, this was the first time he had taken the initiative like this. Amir took it very seriously and began asking the other person if they were truly willing to study abroad.

"My lord, the country is currently facing an unprecedented crisis. Russia has taken over northern Azerbaijan and Armenia, Oman has seized our ports with the help of Britain, and even the Ottomans are ready to attack and plunder Iran's wealth at any time. If this continues, the country will perish."

"Now that the Ottomans have announced the changes, we cannot fall behind and want to contribute to the country."

Young people are typically quite enthusiastic and patriotic; they are open to new things but also pessimistic about the country's future. Therefore, they hope for something new to save the nation.

"Friends, you must understand that this is not a trip to another country for tourism, but a journey to learn new things. You will not only be far from home, but you will also have to overcome unimaginable difficulties. Can you do it?"

"Sir, you have no doubt. We are all willing. We are prepared to give everything for the country."

After hearing their story, Amir felt that the country could still be saved, so he agreed to their request. He said he would have to explain the details to the governor, and he also promised that if the governor disagreed, he would pay for their studies abroad out of his own pocket.

Naserdin heard everything from behind; young people are always like that, any change starts with them. Since they want to study abroad, he might as well grant their request.

"Sir, you heard everything."

Amir saw the governor and explained the whole story to him.

"Yes, I originally thought I was fighting alone, but I didn't expect that there were still people who wanted to fight alongside me."

Naserdin was pleased; if the young man was doing so well, then he, the youngest governor, should also do a good job.

"Go find the British consul and see how much it would cost to send them to study in Europe. Let them go to England and France to learn new knowledge. When they return, arrange for them to join the government. The government is in dire need of people like them right now."

As Nasser al-Din walked, he gave instructions to the Emir. Sending students to Europe had become an important policy.

Of course, all of this requires money; without money, nothing can be done. Amir's newly established carpet weaving factory is still working hard to find customers, and has already received orders worth £2.5 from Europe. Thanks to the Governor's House, the factory is not reduced to being overwhelmed by foreign goods like other workshops.

Although the road ahead is long and arduous, Naser al-Din's Azerbaijan province is already the most advanced province in Iran, viewed from a national perspective. Farmers there bear a lighter burden than elsewhere, and some emerging landowners are investing in workshops and switching to monetary rents. While the textile industry in other provinces has declined due to the influx of foreign goods, Tabriz's textile and carpet-making industries have been less affected and have worked hard to overcome difficulties, continuing to export their products.

(End of this chapter)