The Bábí-State Conflict at Shaykh Tabarsí
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The Journal of Bahá'í Studies 14, 53-90Abstract: The Shaykh Tabarsí episode was the first of four major clashes that occurred between the Bábís and the Qájár state from 1848 to 1853. It is often portrayed as a Bábí attempt to subvert the ruling dynasty. On the basis of a reconstruction of the episode from previously unpublished eyewitness accounts and other sources, and an analysis of the objectives of the Bábí participants, the author argues that the Bábís were not intent on revolt. Other background and immediate factors leading to the conflict are examined: the atmosphere of increased hostility toward the Bábís, the latter's understanding of holy war, Iran's political instability, and the change of power that occurred just before the conflict.
The Shaykh Tabarsí episode was the first of four major clashes that occurred between the Bábís and the Qájár state from 1848 to 1853. It is often portrayed as a Bábí attempt to subvert the ruling dynasty. On the basis of a reconstruction of the episode from previously unpublished eyewitness accounts and other sources, and an analysis of the objectives of the Bábí participants, the author argues that the Bábís were not intent on revolt. Other background and immediate factors leading to the conflict are examined: the atmosphere of increased hostility toward the Bábís, the latter's understanding of holy war, Iran's political instability, and the change of power that occurred just before the conflict.