A key method for identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the administrative system and bureaucracy during the Qajar era is to study the political-administrative figures and bureaucrats of that period by examining and analyzing their surviving works and memoirs. The book Memoirs of Ehtesham al-Saltaneh is a valuable and credible source from that era. The author was affiliated with the royal family and was a prominent Qajar figure who held significant and sensitive positions, including governorship, diplomacy, representation, and the presidency of the first National Consultative Assembly. His narrative is characterized by a critical perspective on events and a balanced approach in portraying characters. Ehtesham al-Saltaneh did not merely acknowledge the virtues and services of individual; he also candidly noted their shortcomings.
Through quantitative content analysis, this study aims to analyze Ehtesham al-Saltaneh’s memoirs to identify and measure his critical observations on the efficacy and inefficacy of Qajar bureaucrats. The data have been organized into two main categories: efficacy and inefficacy of Qajar-era officials. The findings of the present study (Tables 1-7) indicate that Qajar bureaucrats demonstrated certain effective personal traits, including authority, prudence, integrity, and patriotism. However, weaknesses in the administrative structure, lack of effective and robust oversight mechanisms, and institutions fostered various negative and ineffective traits such as bribery, moral corruption, and oppression among government officials. The final data analysis indicates that, from Ehtesham al-Saltaneh’s perspective, 63.27% of Qajar officials are portrayed as ineffective, compared to a 36.73% minority assessed as effective.