The Intellectual Style of Sultan Masʿud’s Political Dialogues with Court Statesmen in the Tarikh-e Bayhaqi (Case Study: Rationalism)

Abstract

In the exercise of power, Sultan Masʿud primarily sought the predominance of his own ideas over the political and social beliefs and viewpoints of court dignitaries. Under the support of the Abbasid Caliphate in Baghdad, he regarded the right of judgment in governmental decision-making as a clear manifestation of identity formation and respect for Islamic teachings and the moral principles governing Iranian society. Through a profound examination of the political and social developments during his reign, reflection on his intellectual perspectives and ideological foundations, and consideration of his rhetorical skills within the political and social sphere, it becomes evident that he considered this atmosphere of repression necessary for the growth and consolidation of political and social sovereignty in both domestic and foreign policy. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to identify the political and social ideas and approaches of Amir Masʿud in his interactions with court statesmen through verbal dialogues, as well as the role of these dialogues in achieving his authoritarian objectives and consolidating his political and social dominance in Iran. The research method is analytical-descriptive and based on library studies. The styles of these dialogues included political and social conversations, bilateral or multilateral face-to-face exchanges, the removal of suspicion and ambiguity, deception and fatalism, as well as reproach and blame. The first communicative style was vertical, centralized, balanced, direct, elevated, natural, and authoritarian, particularly in the Amir’s interactions with secretaries, ministers, and chamberlains. The second communicative style was centralized, horizontal, natural, direct, conciliatory, and avoidance-oriented, while the third communicative style was characterized by adaptation and cooperation.