A Record-Based Study of Conflicts Between Governors of Poshtkouh (Ilam) and the Ottoman Government over Salt Mines (1838-1928)

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to study the struggles and conflicts between Poshtkouh governors and the Ottoman government over salt mines that were located in the border between Iran and Ottoman Empire in the period 1838-1928.
Methodology/Approach: This research uses a descriptive and analytic method and is based on available records and library resources. After evaluating and analyzing historical data, organization and deduction is carried out.
Findings: The findings show that one of the areas of conflict between Poshtkouh (Ilam) governors and the pashas of Baghdad - who owed allegiance to the Ottoman government - was the salt mines. These mines were around the northwest of Poshtkouh and the borders between Iran and the Ottoman Empire. The mines were called Dashtlag, Tarike, and Davdar. The economic importance of these mines and the efforts of Poshtkouh governors and the pashas of Baghdad seeking to take control over these mines lead to conflicts between the two parties. Hassan Khan –the first governor of Poshtkouh – and his son, Heidar Khan secured their dominance over the mines, and Heidar Khan even took control over the salt mine in the Ottoman territory. But for several reasons,  Abbas-Gholi Khan was not successful in keeping control of the mines and they were seized by the Ottomans during his time. After Abbas-Gholi Khan, his cousin, Hossein-Gholi Khan, known as Abou-ghadareh, became the governor of Poshtkouh. He reclaimed the salt mines from the Ottomans, and during the period of Hosein-Gholi Khan’s son, Gholamreza Khan, the mines remained within Poshtkouh territory without concern. This research included a record-based survey to study the conflicts between the two countries and how they were resolved.