Mirza Taqi Khan Farahani known as Amir the Great is one of the prominent characters of the Iranian history. During his 3 years and 3 months premiership, he started fundamental reforms in the fields of education, policy, economy, security, finance, and culture and ended riots, decrease in aliens’ influence and interference e.g.: Russia and England. He formed integrated army and controlled princes and kingdom dynasty and people in charge of government. He eradicated administrative and financial seditions. Most importantly, he campaigned against religious deviations and repressed cults such as Babism.
Among the enemies of Amir the Great, the Babis were the most important. They were called terrorist by Abdullah Shhabazi in the book “Some disputes of the Baha’ism history in Iran”.
In order to figure out the various aspects of the tragic event of Amir the great murder, the clues must be traced since the first days of Naseruddin’s kingdom when the Babi leaders misused Muhammad Shah’s death and rioted in some cities such as Khorasan, Mazandaran, Zanjan and etc. in order to gain power. These riots were too hostile and volent that Ferydoun Adamiyyat writes in the book “Amir the Great and Iran” : “During their riots in Naseri era, the Babis were savage with people and the governmental forces and cut the captives feet and arms and made them fire.”
During this period of time, Amir the great became chancellor. He fought against Babis and killed most of their leaders and Nan himself to confront this deviant cult.
After Bab being killed, the Babis decided to assassinate Amir the great and king Naseruddin.
The main agent in the path was Mirza Agha Khan Nouri. He was in close relationships with Baha. The Babis used Mirza Agha Khan Nouri’s power to revenge. Its consequence was Amir the great’s deposal and exiling him to Kashan city. Then the Babis planned for Amir the great’s assignation helped by Mahd Oliya, Agha Khan Nouri and Baha.
Killing Amir the great, the Babis decided to assassinate the king. On Shawwal 8, 1268 A.H. when Naseruddin Shah was going to hunt in Niyavaran palace, a group of Babis headed by Mullah Sheikh Ali Torshizi who was one of the prominent followers of Bab and entitled Emullah al-Azim approached the king carrying a petition and shot him three times. The second shot made the king injured. So, the king issued the order for Babis’ massacre. Many Babis were hanged.
