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Chapter 87 - Chapter 87: The Principles of Persian Governance: The Imperial Court and Army

The "Imperial Court", the second pillar of Kourosh's governmental structure, as the executive branch, bore the responsibility of administering the daily affairs of the country and implementing the laws passed by the "Supreme Imperial Council." This court was not a center for corruption and luxury, but an efficient bureaucratic apparatus composed of specialized ministries. This structure was the executive arm of the Emperor for realizing prosperity and justice (dād); two sacred duties that, according to the covenant of Iranshahr, were entrusted to him. Each minister was chosen with the emperor's approval and in consultation with the Supreme Council and was obliged to report regularly to both institutions. This system prevented the concentration of power in the hands of one person and increased transparency in the executive apparatus, so that justice would flow at all levels.

The "Imperial Ministry of Finance," whose members were called the "Ganj-bānān" (Treasure-Keepers), was responsible for collecting fair and proportional taxes from all satrapies and tribes. The Treasure-Keepers managed the imperial treasury not as the king's personal wealth, but as a trust from the people, to be used for the nation's prosperity and development. They allocated the necessary budget for civil, military, and social projects and had strict oversight over expenditures to prevent any corruption and abuse. The minting of standard coins (the gold Daric and the silver Siglos) with a specific weight and purity and maintaining the value of the currency was also their responsibility, so that trade would flourish and the empire's economy would be strengthened.

The "Imperial Ministry of Agriculture," known as the "Dehqān-sālārān" (Lords of the Farmers), was the backbone of food security and the main manifestation of prosperity in the empire. The Lords of the Farmers oversaw food production, the implementation of large-scale irrigation projects such as qanats and dams, and the promotion of modern agricultural methods (like crop rotation, scientific fertilization, and the use of improved seeds). They were also responsible for managing water resources, distributing seeds, and assisting farmers during droughts, so that no one would suffer from hunger and the land would always be fertile and green. This ministry was the guarantor of the population's survival and prosperity.

The "Imperial Ministry of Commerce," called the "Bāzargān-sālārān" (Lords of the Merchants), was responsible for the development of the Royal Roads and new ports in the Persian Gulf and on the Mediterranean coasts. The Lords of the Merchants oversaw the regulation of markets, the management of domestic and foreign trade, and the conclusion of trade agreements with other nations. Their goal was to turn Iran into the beating heart of world trade, to bring wealth and prosperity to the land, and to create friendly relations with other civilizations so that peace and solidarity would spread through economic exchange.

The "Imperial Ministry of Education," known as the "Farhang-bānān" (Culture-Keepers), was responsible for managing the Persian schools and academies. The Culture-Keepers oversaw the promotion of mass literacy (using paper and printing) and the support of scientists, artists, and researchers. Their main duty was to cultivate Wisdom (kherad) among the nation, so that future generations would be raised with awareness and Persian civilization would reach its peak of prosperity.

The "Imperial Ministry of Health," called the "Pezeshk-sālārān" (Lords of the Physicians), was responsible for the public health of the society. The Lords of the Physicians established primary hospitals, taught public health principles (such as clean water, sewage disposal, and personal hygiene), and oversaw the production and distribution of herbal medicines. Their goal was to reduce diseases, increase the longevity and health of the people, and create a healthier and more efficient workforce, so that they would have a dynamic and energetic society.

The "Imperial Ministry of Justice," known as the "Dād-bānān" (Justice-Keepers), acted as the executive arm of the independent judicial institution. The Justice-Keepers were responsible for enforcing court verdicts and managing prisons. They ensured that justice was properly executed, that people's rights were not violated, and that no one was punished without reason. This ministry was the guarantor of judicial security and the people's trust in the governmental system.

The "Imperial Ministry of Foreign Affairs," called the "Ferestādegān" (The Envoys), was responsible for managing diplomatic relations with other nations. The Envoys concluded treaties, protected the empire's interests beyond its borders, and gathered political and cultural intelligence from distant lands so that the emperor would always be aware of the world's situation and make correct decisions in international relations.

The General Staff of the Imperial Armed Forces, whose commander stood to the right of the emperor's throne, was the embodiment of the warrior class (arteshtārān) and the military arm of the king for protecting the covenant of Iranshahr. This institution, which was accountable only to the person of the emperor, was responsible for safeguarding justice and prosperity against internal and external threats. Its independence from the civil apparatus ensured that the army would never become a tool for internal suppression or political ambitions. This staff was divided into several specialized sections:

The "Land Force," comprised all infantry and cavalry units. The infantry, consisting of tough and resilient soldiers from various tribes like the Mardii and Germanii, were trained in orderly formations and with iron discipline inspired by the Greek Phalanx & Roman Legion. The cavalry, including agile and skilled riders like the Dai and Sagartii, were used for swift battles, reconnaissance, and encircling the enemy. These forces were the core of the empire's military power on land.

The "Naval Force" was responsible for protecting the empire's maritime borders, sea trade routes, and the transport of troops and supplies. Advanced shipbuilding engineering inspired by Phoenician and Greek ships, precise navigation using astronomy, and naval warfare tactics were taught in this section. The naval fleet was used not only for war, but also for expanding trade and diplomacy.

The "Engineering and Construction Corps," going beyond the traditional military role, engaged in civil and social projects during peacetime. The soldiers of this section were trained in military engineering, agriculture (like digging qanats), and public health. This corps was not only the combat arm, but also the construction arm of the empire, contributing to the development of the land and strengthening the bond between the army and the nation.

The "Logistics and Support Division," whose members were called the "Poshtibānān" (Supporters), was responsible for supplying all the army's needs, from food and water to weapons and equipment. They managed an extensive network of warehouses and caravans to ensure the army was always ready for battle.

The "Military Training and Education Division" was responsible for the continuous training of soldiers and officers at all levels. The training included martial arts, modern combat tactics, unwavering military discipline, and the psychology of battle. The goal was to raise a generation of wise and brave warriors loyal to the ideals of the empire.

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