ヘラートのヤール・モハンマド・ハーン--一九世紀中期のイラン・アフガニスタン關係史

Abstract

There were three regional powers, Kabul, Qandahar, and Herat, in 19th century Afghanistan. Yar Mohammad Khan Alikoza'i was the minister of Kamran Mirza, who ruled the city of Herat in western Afghanistan. Herat was incessantly attacked by Qandahar and Kabul. Qajar Iran also sought to occupy it if an opportunity presented itself. Kamran Mirza appeared to be a drunkard and an incompetent ruler, incapable of coping with the difficulties that faced Herat. Yar Mohammad Khan managed to deal with the problems of Herat in place of Kamran Mirza. Mohammad Shah Qajar marched on Herat in November, 1837 and besieged the city for seven months. Yar Mohammad Khan resisted the Iranian forces and British, who seeking to prevent Iranian and Russian influence in Afghanistan, had intervened in the Iranian action. Because of these reactions, the Iranian army had to evacuate Herat in June, 1838. Amidst this complicated situation, Yar Mohammad Khan finally killed Kamran Mirza and took control of Herat in August, 1842. Yar Mohammad Khan tried to maintain Herat in its now weakened state. He managed, for example, to maintain good relations with Kabul and Qandahar through matrimonial alliances. He continued to fear Qajar Iran because the Iranians had not abandoned the idea of occupying Herat. However, in 1847 the Salar revolt occurred in Khorasan, which adjoins Herat. As a result, the governor of Khorasan was confined in the capital, Mashhad, and Yar Mohammad Khan marched to Mashhad to rescue him, and then escorted him to Herat. His action contributed to the suppression of the revolt, and the Iranian Shah was pleased to give him the title of Zahir al-Doule (Assistant of Sttate). Yar Mohammad Khan strengthened not only the relationship with Qajar Iran, but also with other surrounding powers, such as Kabul and Qandahar. But in these complex circumstances, Yar Mohammad Khan died suddenly in June, 1851. Owing to his sudden death, Herat was again faced with a difficult situation. His son and successor, Sa'id Mohammad Khan was not as talented as his father, and so the surrounding powers, especially Qandahar, tried again to occupy Herat. Sa'id Mohammad Khan was killed in September, 1855, and the political situation of Herat remained confused for several years. Eventually, Herat was occupied by Dost Mohammad Khan of Kabul in May, 1863.