Modern Iran Midterm

Safavid Empire

A major Persian dynasty that ruled from 1501 to 1736, known for establishing Twelver Shi'ism as the state religion and significant cultural achievements. Founded by Ismael I , the Safavid Empire unified Iran and is regarded as one of the most significant periods in Persian history, influencing its culture, politics, and identity.

Shiification of Iran

The process during the Safavid Empire of converting the majority of the population to Twelver Shi'ism, which profoundly shaped Iran's religious and cultural landscape.

Mohammed

is considered the founder of Islam and regarded by Muslims as the last prophet of God. His teachings were pivotal in the spread of Islam throughout the Arabian Peninsula.

Shiism

A branch of Islam emphasizing the role of Ali and his descendants as rightful leaders, differing from Sunni beliefs.

Period of Interregnum

The time between the end of the Safavid dynasty and the rise of the Qajar dynasty, marked by political instability and power struggles. 1725-1795 was characterized by foreign invasions and internal conflicts that led to the disintegration of centralized authority in Iran.

Ulama in Iran

Religious clerical class of Iran

Usuli Akhbaris debate

The Akhbari school (Akhbarism) advocated for strict adherence to the transmitted traditions (akhbar) of the Imams as the sole source of legal reasoning, rejecting independent rational judgment (ijtihad) by religious scholars. In contrast, the Usuli school (Usulism) championed the use of ijtihad by qualified mujtahids (jurists) based on principles (usul) derived from the Quran, Sunnah, consensus, and intellect. The Usuli school eventually prevailed, establishing the authority of the mujtahids in guiding the Shi'i community, particularly in the absence of the Imam.

Nadir Shah of Afsharids

An attempt was made to create a central government in the 19th century during the Interregnum.  Threatened northern India with his conquests, a bad guy in Indian history. Nadir Shah stole the Peacock Throne

Karim Khan Zand

Attempted to create a central government in the 19th century during the Interregnum. Built the Arg (citadel) and was more successful than Nadir Shah. Never adopted the title of Shah for himself, called himself the Vakil (judge/lawyer/representative)

Qajar Dynasty

The Qajar Dynasty ruled Iran from 1785 to 1925, succeeding the Zand dynasty and the Period of Interregnum. They re-established centralized rule after a period of instability. The dynasty faced increasing pressure and intervention from European powers, particularly Russia and Britain, leading to territorial losses and economic concessions. This era also saw early attempts at modernization and constitutional movements.

Waqf

A religious endowment to the priesthood

Bazaaris class

Workers in the Bazaar who thrived economically in the marketplace economy.

Ulama-Baazariis Alliance

Designed to defend traditional culture through economic, piety links and marriage links.

Russo-Persian Wars

Iran suffered territorial losses and economic concessions due to pressure from European powers, notably Britain and Russia, highlighted by the Russo-Persian Wars and controversial agreements like the 1870 Reuter Concession.

1870 Reuter Concession

Reuter would own banks, minerals, and roads in Iran

1891 Tobacco Protest

A nationwide boycott of tobacco in Iran, organized by the Ulama and supported by the Bazaaris, in response to Shah Naser al-Din Shah's concession of a tobacco monopoly to a British company. This successful protest forced the Shah to retract the concession, demonstrating the significant political power of the Ulama-Bazaariis Alliance and serving as a precursor to the Constitutional Revolution.

1907 Anglo-Russian Partition

Iran was divided by the British and Russians with the UK in the south and the Russians in the north

Abbas Mirza

Qajar Prince who wanted to reform the military. Part of why modernization failed

Amir Kabir

Advisor to the Shah and the founder of the Dar al-Fonun which the Ulama shut down. Part of why modernization failed

Mirza Hussain Sepasalar

Son of a diplomat and was inspired by the Ottoman Empire as he wanted to restructure the government system. He was a strong critic of the tax system and was opposed by the Ulama/landowners. He was fired for suggesting the Reuter Concession. Part of why modernization failed. 

Coalitions of the 1905 Revolution

Liberals/constitutionalists, secular nationalists, left/socialists, sectarian religious movements like Bahaism

Bahaism

Founded on Babism from Shaykhism. Leader is “The Bab” and believed in gender equality and less strict rules regarding prayer and other religious beliefs.

Zoroastrianism

All Iranians until Medieval Period and many moved to India and became known as the Parsis. 

Dar al-Fonun

“House of Science/royal college.” Taught history including pre-Islamic history. Part of how the knowledge of Ancient Iran

Manakji Limjji Hataria

A Zoroastrian missionary in 1854 traveled from India to check on Zoroastrians in Iran. Part of how the knowledge of Ancient Iran

Jalal al-Din Mirza Qajar

Prince who studied at Dar al-Fonun and wrote a book on pre-Islamic Iran history in Persain. Wrote “Nameye Khosravan” in 1896 written in pure Persian. Part of how the knowledge of Ancient Iran

Mirza Fathali Akhundzadeh

Interpreter for the Russians and a playwright who critiqued Iran and its superstitious religious beliefs. He was the first to write down a plan to reform Arabic due to illiteracy. Wrote the “Maktubat” or the correspondence between and Iranian and Indian Prince. Part of how the knowledge of Ancient Iran

Constitutional Revolution 1905-1911

The Constitutional Revolution of 1905-1911 in Iran was a pivotal struggle to limit the power of the absolute monarchy and establish a representative government and the rule of law. It was sparked by widespread anger over the Qajar dynasty's corruption, economic mismanagement, and concessions to foreign powers. Although the revolution was ultimately subdued, it created a lasting legacy by establishing Iran's first parliament and introducing constitutional ideas that would influence the country's politics for decades to come.

Ottoman Constitution of 1876

Was created through far-sighted bureaucrats who got the Sultan to agree to it

Print Culture in Iran

“Reading rooms” Qanun is law outside of Sharia

Labor Migration early 20th century Iran

Russia Azerbaijan socialist/left influence

Leon Trotsy “Dress Rehearsal” for Iran

1870s-1890s Tobacco & Reutuer Concession.

1896 Shah assassinated by an Azali

Russo-Japanese War

Costume party

Joseph Naus Iran costume party

Belgian diplomat who dressed up as an Ayatollah

Economic trigger of 1905 Iran Sugar

Baazar raised price of sugar due to Russian tax. 

Bastinado Beatings in Iran

A public beating, “bastinado,” ties someone up and raises their legs, and beats the bottom of their feet, and becomes the final trigger for a constitutional coalition

Iran list of demands: House of Justice

We, the people, demand the immediate establishment of a House of Justice to end tyranny and corruption. This body must be elected by the people to create fair laws and ensure no one, not even the Shah, is above them. Its purpose is to protect our rights, administer true justice, and hold the government accountable for its actions.

Mozaffar al-Din Shah

Qajar Shah who signed the constitution in Jan 1906

Majles created in Iran

The Majles, Iran's first national parliament, was established in 1906 as the central achievement of the Constitutional Revolution. It was created to enact laws and oversee the government, thereby ending the absolute power of the monarchy. The first Majles drafted the Persian Constitution, which established a constitutional monarchy and made the Shah's rule subject to parliamentary approval.

Bakhtiary Tribe in Iranian Revolution

Was sided with the coalition and helped take back power for a small time

Chronology of 1905 Iran Revolution

The Iranian Constitutional Revolution began in December 1905, sparked by public outrage over the brutal punishment of merchants and the Shah's despotic rule. In protest, thousands took sanctuary in July 1906, leading to the Shah's capitulation and a decree for a national parliament, the Majles. The first Majles was established in October 1906 and swiftly drafted the Persian Constitution, which established a constitutional monarchy. Although the revolution continued until 1911, this initial phase successfully created Iran's first democratic institution and limited the power of the Shah for the first time.

William Benjamin

First American diplomat to Iran in the 1880s

American College of Tehran

In 1899 founded by the American Mission. The American Mission Schools became a place of cultural encounters

Samuel Jordan

Founded the ACT

Hassan Taqizadeh

Was an ACT student and revolutionary and Majles member at age 25. The “Benjamin Franklin” of Iranian history

Ahmad Kasravi

ACT student, revolutionary who wrote book on superstitions in Iran. Assassinated in 1940 in court on heresy charges.

Howard Baskerville

American teacher in Iran and formed a militia with Sattar Khan and was killed in battle. Revered as a martyr in Iran.

Morgan Shuster

American financial advisor sent by Taft and decided to tax imports (tariffs). Russians gave a 48 hour ultimatum. Wrote “the Struggling of Persia”