Relations Between Zaydi Shi‘i Jurists and the Kia’i Rulers of Gilan

Panahi, Abbas; Ramezanpour, Nariman

doi:10.30473/lhst.2026.76606.3034

Document Type : pajoheshi

Authors

Abbas Panahi ¹
Nariman Ramezanpour ²

¹ Professor, Department of History, Guilan Studies Research Institute, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.

² PhD student in Islamic History, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.

10.30473/lhst.2026.76606.3034

Abstract

The Kia’i rule in Gilan between the 8th and 10th centuries AH is one of the local Iranian examples of the close connection between jurisprudential authority and political power. This government, which was initially founded on the teachings of Zaydism, derived its legitimacy from the endorsement of Zaydi jurists, who played a decisive role in matters such as the imamate, the oath of allegiance, the collection of religious dues, and political decision-making. In this system, Zaydi jurisprudence provided not only the religious foundation but also the structure of political legitimacy. With the shift of the Kia’i state’s official sect to Imami Shi‘ism during the reign of Khan Ahmad I (932 AH), the relationship between jurists and rulers changed, and Imami jurisprudence replaced its Zaydi counterpart. To preserve their position, Zaydi jurists emphasized doctrinal commonalities and attempted—through mediation with Imami jurists—to maintain their influence within the new political order. This study, employing a historical approach and a critical review of local Gilan sources, examines the evolution of relations between Zaydi jurists and the Kia’i rulers. It demonstrates that the interaction was rooted in the need to preserve the religious and political legitimacy of the Kia’i government; for as long as Zaydism prevailed in Gilan, the endorsement and cooperation of the jurists were essential for the continuity of the Kia’i rulers’ authority and acceptance. The present research is based on library data collection, and the analysis draws on extracting historical narratives, comparing reports, and reconstructing the political-legitimacy model of the Kia’i period.
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Keywords

Main Subjects

Iran Local Histories

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Research Journal of Iran Local Histories

Relations Between Zaydi Shi‘i Jurists and the Kia’i Rulers of Gilan

References

References

Volume 14, Issue 27 - Serial Number 27
October 2026
Pages 41-54

Relations Between Zaydi Shi‘i Jurists and the Kia’i Rulers of Gilan

References

References

Volume 14, Issue 27 - Serial Number 27October 2026Pages 41-54

Volume 14, Issue 27 - Serial Number 27
October 2026
Pages 41-54