Karim Khan Zand's stance and multifaceted relations regarding European-British colonialism in the Persian Gulf

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Associate Professor of the Institute of Humanities and Cultural Studies, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

The rule of Zandiye is often equal to the period of Karim Khan Zand, because his numerous successors ruled for a short time. With Shiraz as its capital and close proximity to the Persian Gulf, this government placed great importance on maritime waterways. Compared to previous dynasties, it intervened much more actively in the Southern Seas. This period directly coincided with the era when European colonial powers were actively attempting to occupy and dominate the Persian Gulf and its coastlines. Thus, the Zandiyeh government seriously faced the European colonial phenomenon in its various and complex forms in the Persian Gulf and its coasts and islands. Therefore, the rulership of Zandieh became more involved in the issues of the Persian Gulf and the south in border, regional and even international relations. At this point, the issues of the Persian Gulf were a multi-faceted, intertwined issue with the presence of numerous and influential parties. Given this context, the central question is: what policies and strategies did Karim Khan Zand implement toward European nations—particularly England—and what were his ultimate goals? Furthermore, did the Zand administration truly understand the nature of European colonialism? Evidence suggests that through key influences, such as regional trade and relations with the Indian subcontinent, Karim Khan gained a clear understanding of European geopolitical behavior and British colonial ambitions.

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Politics in the Mirror of History
Volume 2, Issue 3 - Serial Number 7
Autumn
November 2025
Pages 71-86

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