Ottoman-Iran relations the first half of 19th century and Ottoman journeys to Iran

Turks played an important role in funding civilisations on Iran landsthroughout history. Thus, with the help of immigrations from Anatolia to Iranthese cultures were founded. After the fall of the Safevi dynasty, competitiosforruling Iran led to many fights for the throne, follewed by Afşar, Zend and Kacardynasties.However, following this first period of unrest, there was again furthercompetition for the throne. During all of this time Iran had no unified or centralcontrol.Altough, from 1797-1925 the Kacar dynasty attemped to maintaindominance over the region, but England, France, and especially Russia hadinterests in Iran, and strongly influenced the Kacar dynasty is policy. Hence, thisgovernment had to maintain a balance policy among the interests of theseEuropean powers. During this struggle, Iran lost territory to Russia wich was verystrong at the time.On the other hand, Iranian governers saw the Sunni Ottoman state as theirbiggest rival. In order to compansate for lands lost to Russia. Iran attemped toextend their territory in to the eastern part of the Ottoman state.In response to their border problems with Iran, the Ottoman state preferreda peaceful solution and sent their representatives to seek an alliance with Iranagainst their common enemy, Russia. However, due to interference from England,France and Russia, this attempt to form an allience failed.Key words: Ottoman Empire, Iran, Safevi, Ambassador