Afshars of Orumia

The Afshars were placed in Urmia (Orumiyeh) by Shah Abbas I of the Safavid Dynasty in the early 17th century as part of his broader policy of tribal resettlement. This strategy aimed to strengthen Iran's borders, control strategic regions, and use loyal tribal forces as a counterbalance to rebellious or unreliable local populations.

Why Were the Afshars in Urmia?

1. Military and Border Defense:

   • The Safavid Empire frequently faced threats from the Ottoman Empire, which sought to expand into Azerbaijan and western Iran.
   • Urmia was a critical frontier city in the Iran-Ottoman conflicts, and the Afshars, known for their military prowess, were stationed there as gholams (royal slaves) and tribal warriors to defend the empire.

2. Control Over Local Populations:

   • Urmia and its surrounding regions had a diverse population, including Kurds, Armenians, Assyrians, and Azerbaijanis.
   • The Safavids, to ensure loyalty and control, relocated trusted Turkic tribes like the Afshars to establish dominance and prevent local uprisings.

3. Repopulating and Strengthening the Region:

   • Urmia was historically an important trade and agricultural center, but due to wars and conflicts, it had suffered depopulation.
   • By settling the Afshars there, the Safavid government sought to revitalize the economy and strengthen administrative control over the area.

Who Originally Placed the Afshars in Urmia?

• The Afshars were relocated to Urmia by Shah Abbas I (reigned 1588–1629) as part of his grand military and political strategy.
• Qasem Sultan Afshar, a prominent commander from the Imanlu branch of the Afshar tribe, was one of the first to settle in Urmia.
  • He was initially appointed as the governor of Mosul but moved to Urmia after a plague outbreak forced him to abandon his post.
  • Seeing the strategic potential of Urmia, he and his followers firmly established the Afshar presence in the city, eventually securing governance over the region.

How Long Did the Afshars Rule Urmia?

• From 1624 to 1820, the Afshars controlled Urmia as governors, playing a major role in regional politics.
• During the Afsharid dynasty (1736–1796), founded by Nader Shah Afshar, their influence grew even stronger.
• However, their rule declined after the rise of Karim Khan Zand, who overthrew Fath-Ali Khan Afshar in 1762, leading to the gradual loss of their power.

Legacy of the Afshars in Urmia

• The Afshars contributed to Urmia's military, administrative, and cultural development.
• Their presence reinforced Persian control over the region during critical conflicts with the Ottomans.
• Many descendants of the Afshar rulers still live in and around Urmia today, preserving elements of their tribal identity.

In short, the Afshars were placed in Urmia by Shah Abbas I as a strategic move to defend against the Ottomans, maintain control over the local population, and strengthen the region. Their influence lasted for nearly two centuries, shaping Urmia's history significantly.