The Rise of Nationalism at the Afghan Court, 1903-1914
Author(s)
Wyatt, Christopher M.
Abstract
The history of Afghanistan from 1903 to 1914 is the history of the effects of the rivalry between two nationalist groups in the Afghan court who opposed the amir’s pro-British policies. The traditionalists, led by Nasrullah Khan, advocated an Islamic, authoritarian state with a centralized government. The progressives, led by Mahmud Tarzi, endorsed pan-Islamic ideas and constitutional measures. The traditionalists gained strength when Amir Habibullah Kalakani lost faith in the British after the signing of the Anglo-Russian Convention in 1907. The progressive influence was cut short when a plot to assassinate the amir was uncovered among some constitutionalists in 1909. Nasrullah and his traditionalist allies remained the strongest single party in the Afghan court until after World War I when Nasrullah was blamed as a scapegoat for the assassination of the amir.
