Fatalism and Iranian’s Passivity against Cholera during the Qajar Era
Tārīkh-i pizishkī i.e., Medical History,
Vol. 17 (1404),
6 May 2025
,
Page 1-21
https://doi.org/10.22037/mhj.v17i1.47056
Abstract
Background and Aim: Fatalism is the unquestioning acceptance of events and surrender to them. According to the popular belief of the Qajar people, problems and calamities originated from divine fate and destiny. Accordingly, fatalism was the most important factor in people's passivity in the face of difficulties, and from their point of view, what happened in the political and social life of society was entirely the will of God, to which one had to be submissive, humble, and surrender.
Methods: This research aims to examine Qajar people’s behaviors during the outbreak of diseases, especially cholera, using existing sources, historical documents, and new research by the historical research method that is based on two characteristics: description and analysis. Also it tries to explain their reaction by focusing on fatalistic action as a therapeutic method by asking this question: what the people and the government did and what beliefs did they resort to manage the cholera, given the prevailing social conditions in society.
Ethical Considerations: In this research, honesty and trustworthiness of historical sources and documents have been observed.
Results: The results show that in the Qajar period, the idea of fatalism and extreme passivity was one of the important factors of the vulnerability of society and the prevalence of infectious diseases, including cholera. Acceptance of fate and passivity resulting from fatalism was clearly visible during the outbreak of cholera in this period. While society should have fought this disease with the human will that came from the creation of its God, the only effort it made was to hold ceremonies and recite prayers in order to reduce suffering and change the divine will. The foundations of fatalism did not emerge at once in Iran, but rather it rooted throughout the political and social history of Iran. Therefore, it was prevalent in society during the Qajar period, especially during the outbreak of cholera, which is also reflected in the writings of European travelers.
Conclusion: During the Qajar period, the outbreak of cholera, people's fatalistic beliefs, and the lack of doctors and healthcare facilities led to the unscientific and superstitious nature of medical knowledge, resulting in the deaths of many people.
- Infectious Diseases
- Cholera
- Qajar Dynasty
- Fatalism
- Determinism
- Health
How to Cite
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