360 A HISTORY OF PERSIA. showed either how popular he was, or how much the Azerbaeejan party, of which he was the opponent, was disliked by the populace. It was not at Tehran alone that the announcement of the Shah's death had been the signal for disorder. The roads in all directions became infested with robbers, who effectually prevented all communication with the capital. The inhabitants of several towns availed themselves of this favourable opportunity for putting to death their tyrannical governors. Ispahan, in common with Ker- man, Sheeraz and other cities, became the scene of lawless outrage. An affray took place between the garrison and some of the citizens, which ended in the murder of one of the principal assistants of the governor of Ispahan. The perpetrators of this act, which was committed in the most public manner in the mosque, and under the eyes of the chief priest, continued at large, in defiance of the civil authorities. The Imam-i- Juma * made at first no effort to appease the tumult, but when his aid was called in, he lent his assistance to the governor ; who, having been reinforced by the arrival of some troops, attacked the rebels, and, after having met with much resistance, drove them from the town. The city of Yezd was also thrown into a state of re- bellion and confusion by the announcement of the death of Mahomed Shah. The governor, who possessed great firmness, but who was very unpopular, found himself besieged by a portion of the inhabitants headed by some notorious disturbers of the peace. After having at- tempted in vain to defend his place of residence, he was forced to retire to the citadel, where he and his few
- The chief priest.
