Nader Shah Afshar was the king who saved Iran from crises with his military prowess and wise politics. In this article, we explore his life and achievements, from the defeat of the Afghans and the restoration of lost territories to the creation of a vast empire.
Nader Shah Afshar (28th of Muharram 1100 AH – 11th of Jumadi al-Thani 1160 AH in the lunar Hijri calendar) was the founder of the Afsharid dynasty and ruled as the Shah of Iran from 1148 AH to 1160 AH. His victories, including the defeat of the Hotakis, expulsion of the Ottomans and Russians from Iran, restoration of lost territories, unification of Iran, and conquest of Delhi and Turkestan, made him famous. He has been remembered with titles such as “The Napoleon of the East” or “The Napoleon of Iran” and “The Last Great Conqueror of Central Asia.”
Nader’s Origins and Early Life
His real name was “Nader Quli,” and according to an undocumented legend, when he was still under 18 years old, he and his mother were captured during an Uzbek Khwarezmian raid. Shortly thereafter, he escaped captivity and returned to Khorasan, where he served under Baba Ali Bey, the ruler of Abivard. He gathered a small group of followers, and after seizing control of several regions in Khorasan, he began calling himself “Nader Quli Bey.” During this period, under the leadership of Mahmud Hotaki, the Afghans had captured Isfahan and killed Shah Sultan Hussein Safavi. Following the fall of Isfahan and the death of Shah Sultan Hussein, his son, Shah Tahmasp II, who fled to Qazvin in 1135 AH, declared himself Shah of Iran. However, local rulers did not submit to him.
Nader’s Rise to Power
Nader attracted the attention of Shah Tahmasp II by playing a key role in the defeat of Malik Mahmud Sistani in 1139 AH (1726 CE), and was soon appointed as a commander. Over time, Nader became known for leading many successful campaigns, which increased his influence and reputation. After conquering Khorasan, he focused on the Afghans, defeating them in the battles of Damghan (1729), Khar Deresi, and Murchakhort, restoring Shah Tahmasp II to his rightful throne. Shah Tahmasp gave Nader command of the army and married his daughters to Nader and his son, Rzaqulu Mirza.
Nader’s Role as Prime Minister
Nader tried to confront the Ottomans, but internal uprisings repeatedly thwarted his efforts, leaving his confrontation with them unfinished. After the conquest of Herat, he returned to Isfahan and organized a victory celebration. At this banquet, Nader used the opportunity to criticize Shah Tahmasp for his reckless policies and suggested that he was unworthy of being the Shah. The elders at the banquet agreed, and Shah Tahmasp was deposed. His place was taken by the eight-month-old Shah Abbas III, and Nader was appointed his prime minister.
Nader Shah’s Empire and Policies
After securing the throne, Nader’s primary military task was to defeat the remaining Afghan forces, which had toppled the Safavid dynasty. He captured Kandahar, and following its fall, many Afghans joined his army, which grew stronger with the addition of Durrani and Ghilzai forces. His campaigns extended to India, where he launched a series of military operations.
He attacked India three times, demanding the surrender of Afghan commanders responsible for massacring Iranians. On the 15th of Zul-Qa’da, 1151 AH (February 24, 1739), Nader Shah defeated the Mughal Empire at Karnal. He executed 800 Afghan commanders involved in the massacre, and his name was inscribed on coins as the rightful ruler.
Reforms and Domestic Policies
Nader Shah is remembered for his effective reforms, which saved Iran from fragmentation and foreign domination. His financial reforms included minting coins in his name, linking Iran’s currency to the Mongol system, and increasing salaries for soldiers and officials. He also increased the number of directly loyal troops and reduced the influence of provincial leaders.
Nader Shah’s Influence on Shia Islam
Nader Shah also attempted to reshape religious policies, reinforcing Shia Islam as the state religion but attempting to reduce the sectarian tensions between Sunni and Shia Muslims.
Nader Shah and the Caucasus
After the Safavid collapse, the political structure in the South Caucasus underwent significant changes. Nader Shah attempted to restore central control over lost territories but was hindered by local resistance. In Georgia, he appointed II Temuraz as the king of Kartli in 1735. He also made significant moves in Ganja, where he defeated the Ottomans and appointed Ogurlu Khan Qajar as the ruler.
The Assassination of Nader Shah and His Death
On the 11th of Jumadi al-Thani 1160 AH (June 20, 1747 CE), Nader Shah was assassinated by a group of Afshar and Qajar officers who feared his power. His army collapsed, and his treasury was looted. After his death, his body was taken to Mashhad and buried in the tomb he had previously built.
Nader Shah’s Legacy
Nader Shah’s legacy is marked by his attempt to restore Iran to its former territorial and military might, including his efforts to strengthen naval power and protect Iran’s northern and southern borders. Despite his military genius, his rule ended tragically with his assassination, and his empire dissolved shortly thereafter. However, his efforts laid the foundation for future developments in Iran and Central Asia.
