مواضع اوليه ايران و انگليس در براب مسئله لغو تجارت برده در خليج فارس ( دوران محمدشاه قاجار 1250 - 1264 قمري )

The Initial Iranian and British Stance against the Abrogation of Slave Trade in the Persian Gulf

In the 191h century, one of the most salient differences between the traditional Iranian values and the Western capitalist tendencies is manifested in the approaches taken by Britain and Iran toward the abolition of slavery in the Persian Gulf. In this period, the abolition of the ancient practice of the trade in African slaves in the Persian Gulf became the focus of, what was only in appearance, the humanitarian and the liberation endeavors of a power like Britain. In the long run, however, the issue placed Iran under pressure to the point that it constantly found itself having to alternate between inclination and disinclination-inclination for wanting to uphold the traditional values, and disinclination for standing against the hegemonic ambitions of the foreign powers. Beyond the scope of this article, other elements, too, like the persistent rivalry between Britain, Russia and France. were instrumental in forcing the Ghajarid Government to respond positively to their shortand long-term requests. In time, the Ghajarid submission to such precepts strengthened the position of Britain allowing it to realize its fundamental objective-the gradual penetration into the Persian Gulf.