The Lion and The Sun: A Modern History of Iran

As the Second World War breaks out, Iran declares neutrality. But Britain and the Soviet Union fear that Reza Shah’s ties with Germany could tip the balance of power in the Middle East.

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Sources for this episode.

Episode Summary

In the late 1930s, Europe braced for conflict as Adolf Hitler expanded German territory and power. His ambition for domination led to the Nazi-Soviet Pact of 1939, which paved the way for the invasion of Poland and ignited World War II. Germany’s blitzkrieg tactics overwhelmed Poland’s defences, and soon all major powers were at war.

Meanwhile, in Iran, Reza Shah Pahlavi’s reign was marked by complex foreign relations. Initially perceived as a British puppet, Reza Shah’s quest for Iranian sovereignty led him to challenge British and Russian influences. He ended foreign extraterritorial rights, reduced the power of tribal leaders backed by Britain, and nationalized financial institutions. Despite these moves, his close ties to the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company earned him criticism.

Iran also maintained relations with the Soviet Union after signing the 1921 Treaty of Friendship, but tensions rose as Reza Shah repressed left-wing movements and communists. He viewed these groups as threats to national stability, enacting harsh laws to silence dissent.

During the 1930s, Nazi Germany courted Iran by promoting a shared Aryan heritage and offering industrial support. Reza Shah embraced this relationship to advance his modernization agenda, welcoming German investments and military expertise. However, when Hitler invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the Allies (fearing Nazi influence in Iran) demanded the expulsion of German agents and transit rights for Allied troops.

Reza Shah’s refusal triggered a joint British-Soviet invasion of Iran in August 1941 with the aim of removing him from power.

Music

• Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen – Monarch of Fate
• Kai Engel – Somnolence
• Kai Engel – Counting Lights
• Antonio Vivaldi – Nisi Dominus, RV 608: IV. Cum dederit
• Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen – Digital Future

The post Book Two – Ep.9: World War II appeared first on The Lion and The Sun Podcast.

Groomed for power from childhood, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was more than a prince. He was Reza Shah’s guarantee for a successful political project.

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Episode Summary

Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was born into a family driven by ambition and structured by discipline. His father, Reza Khan, was a military officer on the rise, determined to transform both his own life and the future of Iran. As Reza Khan climbed the ranks, ultimately becoming Reza Shah, he envisioned a dynasty rooted in strength, modernity, and national identity. Central to this vision was preparing his son not just to inherit a crown but to embody a new political order.

From a young age, the monarchy separated Mohammad Reza from his domestic environment and placed him in a carefully curated space designed to shape a future monarch. Education was rigorous and symbolic, emphasizing languages, military discipline, and formal conduct. His life became a political project. Everything, from how he walked to how he wrote letters to his father, was meant to reflect the authority and continuity of the Pahlavi dynasty.

Despite his father’s authoritarian and emotionally distant demeanour, the young heir internalized the values instilled in him—loyalty, order, and nationalism. Yet, his nature diverged. While Reza Shah embodied secularism and control, Mohammad Reza showed a more spiritual, reserved disposition, shaped by reflection rather than command. His affinity for ceremony and symbolism contrasted with his father’s practical militarism.

He marked the father-son relationship by structure rather than intimacy. Reza Shah rarely showed affection, focusing instead on moulding his son through routine, exposure to power, and calculated mentorship. Their interactions served as preparation for leadership, not emotional connection.

His marriage to Princess Fawzia of Egypt was another element of dynastic strategy. Orchestrated by Reza Shah to forge regional alliances, it reflected political calculation more than personal choice. The marriage, however, was strained—culturally mismatched and lacking mutual interest.

As he grew older, Mohammad Reza became more confident, gradually asserting his role within the state. Reza Shah, in turn, began to consult him more directly, not out of warmth, but as part of succession planning. The dynasty’s future hinged on his readiness.

In the end, Reza Shah passed down the tools of power—discipline, order, and control—but not the comfort of paternal warmth. They built their relationship as a mirror of the regime: building it on strength, maintaining it through structure, and binding it by duty over affection. Mohammad Reza inherited not only a throne but the heavy architecture of a vision that prioritized legacy over love.

Music

• Arash Safaian and Sebastian Knauer – Adagietto
• Kai Engel – Sunset
• Niccolò Paganini – Violin Concerto No. 2 in B minor, Op. 7
• Kai Engel – Remedy for Melancholy
• Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen – Covert Affairs

The post Book Two – Ep.8: The Heir appeared first on The Lion and The Sun Podcast.

After his first foreign trip, Reza Shah declares war on Islam and orders women to remove their hijab.

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Episode Summary

The drive for Iran’s modernization, particularly the push for secular reforms, began in the 1920s, when Reza Shah came to power. He marked his rule by efforts to modernize Iran’s infrastructure, improve education, and build a stronger national identity.

Behind these actions was a man who played a crucial role in Reza Shah’s political and reform agenda: Mohammad Ali Foroughi. Foroughi, a distinguished intellectual and politician, had been a close ally of Reza Shah. His influence within the government was significant, and he had been involved in numerous important positions, including as prime minister.

Reza Shah drew inspiration for his vision of the future, in part, from the reforms seen in neighbouring Turkey under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

After a trip to Turkey in 1934, Reza Shah became even more determined to accelerate Iran’s transformation, seeking to emulate Atatürk’s efforts in secularizing Turkish society.

In 1936, the government forced strict dress codes for men and women, requiring them to adopt Western-style attire. While many younger people in urban centers embraced the change, there was strong resistance from older generations and more conservative factions of society, especially in rural areas.

Religious groups saw this as a direct assault on hijab and their traditions, opposed the policy fiercely.

This resistance came to a head in Mashhad, where protests broke out against the forced unveiling. The protests turned violent when the military intervened, resulting in a massacre of hundreds, possibly thousands, of people. This brutal crackdown further soured Reza Shah’s relationship with the clergy and the Shia religious establishment, who had already been alienated by the king’s secular policies.

Music

• Kai Engel – Sunset
• J. S. Bach – Violin Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, BWV 1041: I. Allegro
• Piotr Hummel – Phenomenal
• Antonio Vivaldi – Nisi Dominus, RV 608: IV. Cum dederit
• Kai Engel – Deserted City
• Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – Six Pieces, Op. 51, TH 143: 6. Valse sentimentale, Tempo di Valse

The post Book Two – Ep.7: Unveiling appeared first on The Lion and The Sun Podcast.

Murder, Banishment and Suicide.

As Reza Shah’s rule becomes more authoritarian, the alliance that put him in power comes to a bitter end.

Listen to part one here.

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Episode Summary

Firuz, a Qajar prince and veteran statesman, had once held top roles across Iranian governments, including Minister of Foreign Affairs, Finance, and Justice. After falling out of favor, he was banished to Semnan, where he lived under surveillance. In April 1937, agents stormed his home. After forcing him to draft a will at gunpoint, they killed him. The death was quietly ruled a heart attack.

This wasn’t an isolated event—it was the end of a political alliance that had begun two decades earlier. In the 1920s, Firuz joined forces with Teymourtash and Davar to form the Revival Party, a secular, progressive movement aimed at modernizing Iran. Ali Akbar Davar, a lawyer educated in Geneva, was the intellectual engine. He backed Reza Khan in abolishing the Qajar dynasty and forming the Pahlavi monarchy.

As a reward, Davar took over the Ministry of Justice. Davar used the opportunity to dismantle Iran’s fragmented legal system. He shut down the courts, purged corrupt staff, and created a centralized judiciary based on modern secular codes.

But the stability they built soon turned on them. Reza Shah’s rule entered a second, more repressive phase in the mid-1930s. Surveillance intensified under police chief Mohammad Hossein Ayrom, who created a vast network of spies and informants. Fabricated charges, secret files, and political prosecutions became tools of control. Teymourtash was arrested and died under suspicious circumstances in Qasr Prison. Firuz was detained and then killed in exile.

By 1937, Davar was serving as Minister of Finance and had led successful trade negotiations with Germany and the Soviet Union. Yet he too, sensed the shift. Reza Shah, increasingly paranoid and authoritarian, publicly humiliated him during a meeting. Davar, knowing the machine he built could now be used against him, chose to act first. He resigned from his post, returned home, wrote two final letters—to his wife and the Shah—and took his own life.

Music

• Kai Engel – August Summer Nights
• Trevor Kowalski – Down to Seconds
• Franz-Schubert – Piano Trio No. 2 in E-flat major, Op. 100: Andante
• Piotr Hummel – Demons
• J.S. Bach – Chaconne from Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004
• J.S. Bach – Concerto in D minor, BWV 974: II. Adagio

The post Book Two – Ep.6: Triumvirate (2) appeared first on The Lion and The Sun Podcast.

Behind the Pahlavi dynasty were three politicians: the kingmakers who orchestrated Reza Khan’s rise and shaped his rule. But as Reza Shah tightened his grip on power, this alliance of three faced exile, prison, and death

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Additional listening: AIOC

Read about Nowruz Celebration on our blog.

Episode Summary

Three men—Firouz Nosrat al-Dowleh, Abdolhossein Teymourtash, and Ali Akbar Davar—once formed a powerful alliance that reshaped modern Iran. Each brought unique strengths: Firouz, a reform-minded aristocrat; Teymourtash, a cunning political operator; and Davar, a man who came from nothing and had fought his way into power. They all supported Reza Khan’s rise to power and helped implement major reforms once the Pahlavi Dynasty was established.

But as Reza Shah consolidated his power, he became suspicious of his close allies, removing them from his circle of trust one by one.

Firouz Nosrat al-Dowleh was from a prominent Qajar family and served in various ministerial roles. Though he initially signed the unpopular Anglo-Persian Agreement and lost his position, his allies supported his return to government. He played a central role in financing national projects like the Trans-Iranian Railway but was later arrested on corruption charges. His connections to foreign diplomats and past political baggage made Reza Shah suspicious. He was imprisoned, tried, and eventually exiled.

Teymourtash, once Reza Shah’s closest advisor and Minister of Court, helped manage the administration and drive modernization efforts. Over time, his influence declined, especially after a failed oil negotiation with the British and increasing foreign criticism of the Shah. Reza Shah dismissed him, accused him of corruption, and sent him to Qasr Prison. There, after surviving an attempted poisoning, he was ultimately killed by suffocation.

The same system they helped build first put both men at the center of the state’s reforms, then removed and eliminated them. Their downfall reflected Reza Shah’s growing authoritarianism and mistrust of his own inner circle.

Music

• Frédérik Chopin – Waltz No. 3, Op. 34 No. 2
• Kai Engel – Sunset
• Kai Engel – Irsen’s Tale
• Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen – Covert Affairs

The post Book Two – Ep.5: Triumvirate (1) appeared first on The Lion and The Sun Podcast.

A torn-out contract, a paranoid shah, and Iran’s most lucrative resource. With Iran’s oil deal up for renewal, Reza Shah clashes with the British and grows suspicious of his closest allies.

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Additional listening: APOC (Book one – Ep.3):

Episode Summary

In the early 20th century, Iran’s oil reserves became the center of a power struggle between the Iranian government and the British-controlled Anglo-Persian Oil Company (APOC). The original agreement granting Britain access to Iran’s oil, signed in 1901 under Mozaffar al-Din Shah, had long been a source of resentment. Over time, British companies manipulated accounting practices to minimize Iran’s profits. This left the Iranian government with a fraction of what it was owed.

By the 1920s, a new power had emerged in Iran: Reza Khan. He was a military leader who, after consolidating his rule, became Reza Shah. With ambitious plans to modernize and strengthen Iran, he sought to renegotiate the oil agreement. He wanted to secure more revenue for the country. His most trusted minister, Abdolhossein Teymourtash, led the negotiations with the British. He demanded a greater share of profits and a more equitable deal.

However, the British, now a global superpower with diversified oil sources, were unwilling to make meaningful concessions. Thus, negotiations stalled, and tensions between Reza Shah and Teymourtash grew. In 1932, frustrated by the lack of progress, Reza Shah abruptly ended the discussions by burning the oil agreement and expelling Teymourtash from his government.

This led to a fresh round of negotiations, with the British bypassing Iran’s ministers and appealing directly to Reza Shah. In a surprising turn, the Shah, who had built his image on resisting foreign exploitation, accepted nearly all of Britain’s demands. Although Iran’s share of profits was slightly increased, the British continued to manipulate their financial reporting through the AIOC company, ensuring that the fundamental imbalance remained unchanged.

Despite the disappointing outcome, state propaganda portrayed the agreement as a victory, claiming that Iran had regained its dignity. But in reality, little had changed—the country remained bound to a colonial oil contract. This time under the name of Anglo-Iranian Oil Company. (AIOC)

Music

• Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen – Path to the Abyss
• AvapXia – Ancient
• Hampus Naeselius – Highway Chase
• Felix Mendelssohn – Lieder ohne Worte (Songs without Words), Book 1, Op. 19b
• Power Music Factory – Mystery Investigration
• Soundridemusic – Trap

The post Book Two – Ep.4: AIOC appeared first on The Lion and The Sun Podcast.

A new king, a unified nation, and a country on the brink of transformation. As Reza Shah Pahlavi seizes power, he reshapes Iran with relentless ambition, even at the cost of its democracy.

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Episode Summary

The Qajar dynasty had left Iran fragmented, with weak central authority and little control over its vast resources. Reza Shah sought to address these challenges by consolidating power through military, economic, and infrastructural reforms.

A major reform was the introduction of compulsory military service in 1925. This helped create a unified national army and reduce the influence of regional tribes. While the law faced opposition from landowners and the clergy—who feared it would weaken their power—it was essential for centralizing control. Another major initiative was the Trans-Iranian Railway, completed in 1938, which connected Iran’s northern and southern regions. This project significantly improved transportation and boosted the economy. It helped integrate the country by linking distant regions, which had long been isolated due to difficult terrain.

Reza Shah also focused on modernizing Iran’s economy. He established state monopolies on critical goods like tea, sugar, opium, and tobacco, and created the Bank Melli to take control of the nation’s finances. These steps were aimed at reducing foreign influence and asserting Iran’s economic independence. He also expanded the financial sector. He made sure that the state had full control over the country’s financial system, which was crucial for sustaining his vision of a self-sufficient Iran.

By the end of his reign, Iran had undergone significant transformations, with improved infrastructure, a more powerful and unified military, and a stronger, more centralized economy. However, Reza Shah’s increasing authoritarianism, as he focused more on personal power and control, began to overshadow the other pillars of his rule. This shift contributed to growing political tensions, laying the groundwork for future challenges in Iran’s political landscape.

Music

• Cherepnin – Paquita: Variation 5: Allegro non troppo
• Kai Engel – Universe in Hands
• Kai Engel – Between Nothing and Everything
• Scott Buckley – The Illusionist

The post Book Two – Ep.3: God, Shah, Nation appeared first on The Lion and The Sun Podcast.

In the aftermath of the parliament’s vote to abolish the Qajar dynasty, Reza Khan and his team lay the groundwork for his ascension to the throne and his official coronation as the new king.

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Episode Summary

On October 31, 1925, with the vote of Iran’s National Consultative Assembly (Majlis) the Qajar dynasty was officially abolished, and Reza Khan became the leader. The transition was marked by the dismissal of the Qajar royal family. This included Mohammad Hassan Mirza, the brother of the last Qajar king. Despite some resistance, the Iranian elite largely accepted the change, though the general populace remained indifferent or unaware of the political shift.Reza Khan made an early effort to gain support by aligning himself with Islamic religious figures.

Reza Khan convened a Constituent Assembly to legitimize his rule. In December 1925, the assembly formalized his ascension to the throne, making the Pahlavi family the new royal house. Internationally, Reza Khan swiftly gained recognition. With Britain, the Soviet Union, and others acknowledging his new regime, tensions with Britain arose over diplomatic precedence. While Reza Khan was tying up loose ends, Ahmad Shah tried to make a case for his return. He wanted to fight against the abolishment, but his claims went nowhere.

In December 1925, the constituent assembly swore Reza Khan in as the king of Persia. His first royal act was to build a new cabinet, appointing trusted figures like Ali Akbar Davar and Abdol Hosein Teimurtash, who would play crucial roles in shaping the early Pahlavi state. Reza Khan’s coronation took place in April 1926 with a simple yet dignified ceremony, signifying the start of a new dynasty.

Music

• Kai Engel – Modum
• Trevor Kowalski – Down to Minutes
• Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen – Consensus
• Handel – Sarabande

The post Book Two – Ep.2: Constituent Assembly appeared first on The Lion and The Sun Podcast.

As Iran’s exiled king prepares to return, the parliament grants Prime Minister sweeping powers. With the help of his rivals, Reza Khan sets out to dismantle the century-old Qajar Dynasty.

Book One Recap: Audio, Video

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Episode Summary

Reza Khan, a soldier from humble origins, rose to prominence in early 20th-century Iran. He was driven by a desire to restore stability to a country ravaged by years of mismanagement. Initially serving in the Cossack Brigade, he seized control of the military in 1921 through a military coup. His effective governance and ability to unite a fractured army won him support, but his increasing power also attracted opposition. Particularly from Hassan Moddares, a prominent cleric and politician.

In a strategic move, Reza Khan won over Moddares, who, despite being a vocal critic, eventually supported granting Reza Khan the title of Commander-in-Chief. This title, although legally ambiguous, solidified Reza Khan’s hold on power, making him virtually untouchable. Through negotiations, Moddares extracted concessions, including cabinet positions for his allies, and Reza Khan began to realize that the Qajar monarchy, with its weak and ineffective leadership, was no longer a viable institution.

By late 1925, Reza Khan’s momentum was undeniable. He manipulated public sentiment through orchestrated protests, portraying the Qajar monarchs as out-of-touch and ineffective. At the same time, he secured the backing of foreign powers, including the Soviets and Turkey, who were more aligned with his vision for Iran’s future. Reza Khan then turned to parliament, securing a resolution that abolished the Qajar dynasty once and for all, marking the end of a centuries-old era.

With the fall of the Qajars, Reza Khan prepared to establish his own dynasty, paving the way for the birth of Iran’s next monarchy and changing Iran’s political landscape forever.

Music

• Franz Schubert – Ständchen, D 889
• Kai Engel – From Dreams to Melancholy
• Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen – With Tenacity
• Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen – Monarch of Fate
• Kai Engel – Written in Ink
• Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen – Venturing through Tim

The post Book Two – Ep.1: A New Dynasty appeared first on The Lion and The Sun Podcast.

The Qajar dynasty was the embodiment of ineffectiveness. Tyrants incapable of true tyranny.

This is the story of their demise.

Season two of The Lion and the Sun Podcast will start next week. If you’re new to this show, we suggest starting with book one and working your way here! But if you’re not into revisiting the past or are one of our older listeners who has already listened to the previous season, this recap could be a great way for you to catch up with the story.

The Lion and the Sun is a podcast about the modern history of Iran. Its a story of how Iran ended up where it is now and how religion, monarchy, democracy, and nationalism shaped the lives of its people across the 20th century.

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The post Book One Recap appeared first on The Lion and The Sun Podcast.

Down with the Qajars. Long Live Reza Shah.

Listen to new chapters from January 29th.

As we’re recording this, Iran is experiencing a wide range of issues.

Both internal turmoil and external conflicts. 

But the fascinating thing about this statement is that it doesn’t matter when you’re listening to this podcast. It could be a week from now, a month, or even years.

No matter the time, the above sentence will hold as much truth then as it has now.

Iran is a rather peculiar place. A country with over 2000 years of history that has always been at the center of world events. From the days of the Achaemenid empire and the Persian wars with the Greeks to their Islamic revolution of 1979 and their constant conflict with the West.

Yet, despite this vast history, for many Iranians, no era looms as large as the Pahlavi dynasty. Despite being one of the shortest reigns in Persia’s long history, its legacy remains embedded in the nation’s collective memory.

The last true dynasty to rule Iran.

In book two of The Lion and the Sun, we turn our focus to the Pahlavi dynasty and its founder. A man who rose from obscurity, dismantled an ancient monarchy, and declared himself king; establishing a new order under his name.

Loved by some and reviled by others, his influence on the nation is undeniable, shaping its modern identity.

This season, we delve into the life of Reza Shah: his meteoric rise to power, the sweeping changes he brought to Iran, his ruthless pragmatism and his ultimate demise.

The second season of The Lion and the Sun begins on January 29 and new chapters will be released every other week.

You can listen to season one here or on all podcast platforms.

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The post Book Two Trailer appeared first on The Lion and The Sun Podcast.

Reza Khan’s army marches toward Arabistan, Khaz’al tries to unite local tribes against the government and the battle for Arabistan reaches its breaking point.

This is part two of a special episode of The Lion and the Sun to celebrate reaching 100k downloads. Listen to part one here.

Thank you so much for your support and for listening to our show.

We’ll be back in January 2025 with season 2!

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Episode Summary

Sheikh Khaz’al al-Ka’bi had long defied Tehran’s authority, ruling his province autonomously, with British support cemented by the discovery of oil in 1908. This autonomy made Khuzestan, or Arabistan as it was then known, a strategic prize. Reza Khan, driven by a vision of national unity, viewed such tribal independence as a barrier to modernization.

Reza Khan’s ambitions initially faced obstacles, including the fragmented nature of Iran’s armed forces and British interests in the region. But over time, he unified the military, consolidated power, and prepared for his move against Khaz’al. Sensing the threat, Khaz’al sought alliances with other tribes and even appealed to the exiled Qajar king for support, but his influence proved insufficient.

Reza Khan strategically reshuffled his cabinet to neutralize Khaz’al’s allies and launched his campaign. British authorities, recognizing the shifting dynamics, withdrew their support for the sheikh. Left isolated, Khaz’al attempted to negotiate, eventually offering an apology to Reza Khan. However, Reza Khan’s plans were already set in motion, and his army occupied Khuzestan, formally reasserting control and renaming the province from Arabistan back to Khuzestan.

Though the conflict ended without bloodshed, Khaz’al’s autonomy was gone. Reza Khan had achieved his goal of centralizing power, but the victory marked only the beginning of a tense relationship between Iran and the British over control of the region’s oil resources. Khaz’al, placed under house arrest in Tehran, lived out his remaining years in isolation, with occasional visits from Reza Khan, who both respected and neutralized his former rival.

This triumph paved the way for Reza Khan’s future reign as king, setting the stage for new challenges that would emerge in the following years. The episode underscores the intricate interplay of ambition, diplomacy, and power struggles that shaped modern Iran.

Music

Soundridemusic – Stranger

• Piotr Hummel – Demons
• Kai Engel – Collateral
• Piotr Hummel – Phenomenal
• Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen – Monarch of Fate
• Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen – The Attonement
• Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen – Dissemination

The post Book One – Special Episode: Arabistan (2) appeared first on The Lion and The Sun Podcast.

A defiant Sheikh, a province rich in oil, and Reza Khan’s push to unify a fractured Iran. The story of Arabistan and how one local tribe became the biggest threat to Persia.

This is a special two-part episode of The Lion and the Sun to celebrate reaching 100k downloads. Thank you so much for your support and for listening to our show.

We’ll be back in January 2025 with season 2!

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For early access to episodes, become a supporter on Patreon.

Episode Summary

In 1922, Iran faced a pivotal moment in its history as the country struggled to recover from the devastation of World War I. The weak Qajar dynasty grappled with economic instability and widespread corruption, leaving many regions of Iran operating autonomously.

One such region was Khuzestan. A province stretching from the Zagros Mountains to the Persian Gulf. Despite its harsh climate, Khuzestan held immense value due to its vast oil fields discovered in the early 20th century. This province, often referred to as Arabistan, fell under the control of Sheikh Khaz’al al-Kaʽbi, the powerful leader of the Banu Ka’b tribe.

Sheikh Khaz’al rose to prominence in 1897, inheriting his brother’s wealth and tribal territories. He cultivated strong ties with the British government, which saw Khuzestan as a critical strategic asset. The sheikh’s influence grew dramatically following the discovery of oil in Masjid Soleiman in 1908, transforming the region into Britain’s most valuable holding in Iran.

The British rewarded Khaz’al’s cooperation with shares in the Anglo-Persian Oil Company and knighted him in 1917, granting him the title of Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire. Emboldened by British support, Sheikh Khaz’al began to operate independently from the central Persian government. He refused to pay taxes or provide accounting for the customs duties he collected.

Meanwhile, in Tehran, a significant political shift occurred in 1921 when Reza Khan, a military leader, seized power through a coup. Reza Khan envisioned a unified Iran with a strong central government. He viewed the autonomy of tribal leaders like Sheikh Khaz’al as a threat to national progress and modernization.

The conflict between Reza Khan’s centralization efforts and Sheikh Khaz’al’s entrenched power came to a head in 1922. The cash-strapped central government in Tehran issued a formal request to Sheikh Khaz’al, demanding he settle his long-overdue accounts with the capital. Despite advice from British representatives to reach a compromise, Khaz’al, confident in his position, chose to ignore the government’s demands.

This act of defiance provided Reza Khan with the justification he needed to take action against the powerful sheikh. The stage was set for a showdown between the central government’s vision of a unified Iran and the longstanding autonomy of tribal leaders.

Music

Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen – Path to the Abyss

Piotr Hummel – Demons

Piotr Hummel – Phenomenal

Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen – The Dawning

The post Book One – Special Episode: Arabistan (1) appeared first on The Lion and The Sun Podcast.

In the season finale of the podcast, Reza Khan aims for total control, the young shah flees his country and Iran braces itself for a brave new world.

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Listen to all book one episodes on our website.

Episode Summary

Persia had been rocked by political instability in the years following World War I. Prime ministers had come and gone, unable to establish a stable government amidst the chaos. However, Reza Khan had emerged as a powerful figure. He leveraged his position to exert his influence over the successive administrations and even Ahmad Shah.

Reza Khan’s ambitious military spending and unwavering demands led to a wheat shortage in the capital, sparking public outrage. This provided an opportunity for Reza Khan’s rivals, such as Mosaddegh and Modarres, to challenge his actions. But Reza Khan navigated the political landscape with skill, eventually securing the position of Prime Minister after Ahmad Shah’s departure.

Inspired by the establishment of the Turkish Republic, Reza Khan launched a campaign to transform Persia into a republic, with himself as the first president. However, this plan faced fierce opposition from the religious faction in the parliament. This was led by Modarres, who feared that Reza Khan’s quest for power will diminish the role of Islam in the country.

The confrontation between Reza Khan and the pro-monarchy forces culminated in a dramatic showdown in the parliament. There, Reza Khan’s bill for a republic was ultimately defeated. Undeterred, Reza Khan regained his footing. Through a series of political maneuvers, he managed to consolidate his power further, effectively becoming the king regent. Reducing the Qajar dynasty to a mere formality.

Reza Khan was determined to remove the Qajar stain from Iran’s history. He moved to establish a new dynasty in his own name, setting the stage for the rise of the Pahlavi dynasty in the next season of the podcast.

Music

• Kai Engel – Difference
• Kai Engel – Somnolence
• Gunnarsson – Granada
• Mozart – Lacrimosa
• Scott Buckley – The Illusionist

The post Book One – Ep.10: Brave New World appeared first on The Lion and The Sun Podcast.

A new player emerges in Persian politics…
How a journalist and a military lieutenant orchestrated the 1921 coup d’état and how Reza Khan gained control of Iran’s military and became an influential player in the government.

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Episode Summary

In the early 1920s, Persia faced a period of intense political turmoil following World War I. Amidst this chaos, two figures emerged with plans to reshape Persia’s future: Seyyed Zia al-Din Tabataba’i, a journalist turned political activist, and Reza Khan, a rising military leader from the Cossack Brigade.

On February 21, 1921, these men orchestrated a military coup in Tehran. Reza Khan led 4,000 Cossack soldiers into the capital, while posters declaring martial law appeared throughout the city. The existing government quickly fell, and Ahmad Shah appointed Sayyed Zia as the new prime minister.

Sayyed Zia’s tenure began with promises of reform and appeals to national pride. However, his rule lasted only three months before he was removed from office and exiled, having alienated both the elite and working classes.

While Sayyed Zia’s influence waned, Reza Khan’s power grew. As Minister of War, he unified the country’s military factions under his command. His successes in pushing back foreign influences and quelling internal rebellions won him widespread support.

By October 1923, Reza Khan had become so influential that Ahmad Shah appointed him Prime Minister. This marked a significant shift, as a man of humble origins now held the highest civilian office in the land.

For Reza Khan, however, this was just a stepping stone. He envisioned himself as the undisputed leader who could restore Persia to its former glory.

Music

• Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen – Digital Future
• Kai Engel – Somnolence
• Hampus Naeselius – Highway Chase
• Hampus Naeselius – Close Quarters
• Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen – Covert Affairs

The post Book One – Ep.9: The Coup appeared first on The Lion and The Sun Podcast.

The biggest oil field the world had ever seen, a foreign military occupation and a socialist revolution in the north. As Russia’s influence wanes, Britain seizes control of Iran’s newfound oil wealth and expands its influence in the region.

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Episode Summary

In the early 20th century, Iran underwent a transformative period centred around the discovery of oil and its far-reaching consequences. The Qajar dynasty, ruling Iran at the time, had a practice of selling concessions to foreign powers. William Knox D’Arcy, an English entrepreneur, capitalized on this in 1901, securing rights to explore for oil in southern Iran.

After years of challenging exploration, D’Arcy’s team, led by George Reynolds, struck oil in Masjed Soleyman in 1908. This discovery led to the formation of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company (APOC), which quickly dominated oil operations in the region. Recognizing oil’s strategic importance, the British government purchased a majority stake in APOC in 1913, a move championed by Winston Churchill.

The city of Abadan was developed rapidly as an oil hub, but with stark inequalities between British and Iranian quarters. As World War I began in 1914, Britain increased its military presence in Iran to protect its oil interests. Percy Sykes established the South Persia Rifles in 1916, adding to the complex military landscape that included the Persian Gendarmerie and Cossack Brigade.

Concurrently, the socialist Jangal movement in the north of the country, led by Mirza Kuchak Khan gained momentum, especially after the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution. With support from the Red Army, the movement briefly declared the Gilan Socialist Republic in 1920, challenging both the central government and British interests.

In 1919, the Anglo-Persian Agreement, championed by British statesman George Curzon, aimed to grant Britain extensive control over Iranian affairs under the guise of a partnership. Despite initial support from some Iranian officials, widespread public opposition led to its cancellation in 1920.

This period set the stage for significant changes in Iran, foreshadowing the rise of Reza Khan and the ultimate fall of the Qajar dynasty.

Music

• Forgotten Marches- Kai Engel
• Somber Descent – Kai Engel
• Somnolence – Kai Engel
• Cinematic Epic Orchestra – Alex Productions

The post Book One – Ep.8: APOC appeared first on The Lion and The Sun Podcast.

As the great war breaks out in Europe, Persia is turned into the ultimate proxy battleground. The story of the First World War and how British, Russian, and German forces competed for control in Iran.

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Episode Summary

On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, was assassinated by Gavrilo Princip who fired the fatal shots that killed Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie.

This assassination proved the spark that ignited World War I. Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, embroiling Russia, France, Germany, Britain, and their alliances in a devastating global conflict.

Across the border in Persia, after the battle of Tehran, the young Ahmad Shah assumed the throne in July 1914 at just 16 years old. Despite immense pressure, Persia announced neutrality, though its position surrounded by belligerent nations made this neutrality precarious.

Suffering soon followed as various Persian regions fell under military occupation from the proxy wars between Russia, Britain, and the Ottoman Empire. Atrocities by occupiers, displacement of civilians, and disrupted trade and agriculture led to the deadliest famine in the nation’s history.

Germany conducted propaganda efforts to foster Persian nationalism and resentment towards British and Russian interference. A group called the Committee for National Defense, aided by German agents like Wilhelm Wassmuss, formed to resist foreign domination. But Russian advances crushed their efforts.

While in the midst of war, the 1917 Russian Revolution saw the collapse of the Russian Empire. The new Bolshevik regime withdrew from Persia, annulling prior agreements and concessions, offering a glimmer of hope for true Persian sovereignty. However, this vacuum was swiftly filled by Britain, determined to secure its interests – especially Persia’s coveted oil resources.

Music

• Shattered Glass – CJbeards
• Written in Ink – Kai Engel
• Highway Chase – Hampus Naeselius
• Deserted City – Kai Engel
• Katyusha – Russian Folk Song

The post Book One – Ep.7: The Great War appeared first on The Lion and The Sun Podcast.

An old king tries to reclaim his throne, the United States sends help for the country’s finances, and Russia invades Iran. The complicated history of Iran and Russia and how the Russian influence impacted Iran’s democracy and crippled its government throughout the years.

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Episode Summary

On July 13, 1909, Mohammad Ali Shah abdicated the throne and fled to Russia after the Battle of Tehran. He was granted asylum and a monthly salary. In July 1911, he returned to Iran with an army of Turkmen tribesmen, joined by his brother Salar-ed-Dowleh and Kurdish fighters, aiming to retake Tehran. The government’s response, aided by Bakhtiari riders, forced Mohammad Ali Shah to flee back to Russia.

In the late 19th century, Persia increasingly relied on foreign loans and struggled to modernize its military. Nasir al-Din Shah established the Persian Cossack Brigade, reflecting growing Russian influence. During Mohammad Ali Shah’s reign, Russia’s influence over Persia grew significantly, with the Russian Cossack Brigade serving as his private army and many advisors having Russian ties.

After constitutionalists regained control in Tehran, they reopened parliament and sought to resolve financial issues by hiring William Morgan Shuster, an American lawyer, as Treasurer-General. Shuster’s transparency efforts angered Britain and Russia. When Shuster planned to seize the property of Salar-ed-Dowleh, Russia intervened, demanding Shuster’s dismissal and other conditions.

Nationwide protests ensued, led by Shia cleric Mohammad Kazem Khorasani, who died under mysterious circumstances in December 1911. Russia then occupied northern Persia, including Tabriz, through brutal tactics. Under pressure, the Persian government yielded, dissolved parliament on December 24, 1911, and Shuster and his team resigned and left Persia in January 1912.

Music

• Collateral – Kai Engel
• From Russia with Love
• Sombre Descent – Kai Engel
• January – Kai Engel
• Highway Chase – Hampus Naeselius

The post Book One – Ep.6: Russian Roulette appeared first on The Lion and The Sun Podcast.

Two constitutionalist armies arrive at the gates of Tehran and Mohammad Ali Shah prepares the capital of Iran for an all-out war. How the battle of Tehran reshaped the future of democracy in Iran and how the country was forced to change in its aftermath.

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Episode Summary

After the bombardment of Majlis, the flames of revolution burned across Persia as uprisings erupted against the monarchy of Mohammad Ali Shah. Though he attempted to calm the angry constitutionalists by forming a powerless Grand National Council, his efforts failed to quell the growing discontent.

Two formidable armies took shape – one from the north led by Sepahdar, and another from the west under Sardar Asad Bakhtiary. Their goal was to capture Tehran and reestablish democracy by force.

Fearing the unrest, the British and Russian empires warned the Shah about his tenuous grip on power. Left with no choice, Mohammad Ali Shah reluctantly agreed to reopen parliament. But it was too late. The northern and western constitutionalist forces combined, marching on the capital Tehran with determination.

As constitutionalist armies breached the gates, the battle of Tehran commenced and pitched combat erupted through the streets of Tehran.

After some days, the two armies took control of the city. The defeated Shah took shelter in the Russian embassy and abdicated his throne. In this historic moment, his young son Ahmad Shah was crowned the new monarch under the regency of his uncle Ażod-al-molk.

The second Iranian parliament was reopened in November 1909. After the reopening, Sepahdar became prime minister while Sardar Asad was named interior minister. Heroes like Sattar Khan and Bagher Khan, famed for the Tabriz struggles, arrived to congratulatory crowds.

Music

• Power Music Factory
• January – Kai Engel
• Heart of the Wicked – CJbeards
• Sunset- Kai Engel
• Somnolence – Kai Engel
• Idea. 1 – Kai Engel

The post Book One – Ep.5: Battle of Tehran appeared first on The Lion and The Sun Podcast.

How Mohammad Ali Shah laid siege to the parliament building, ending Iran’s brief experiment with democracy. Discover the story of the Majlis bombardment and the Iranian guerrilla warfare to reclaim their hard-fought freedom.

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Episode Summary

On June 2nd, 1908, the Iranian parliament was carrying out its daily activities when the sound of marching soldiers filled the building. Sensing danger, the parliament workers evacuated to the nearby Sepahsalar Mosque to assemble a defence line. A regiment from the Russian-controlled Cossack Brigade, loyal to the monarchy, arrived and launched an assault on the parliament’s forces stationed near the mosque.

Despite the Cossacks’ formidable strength, the initial attack was repelled. Colonel Vladimir Liakhov, the Cossack commander, then deployed a larger force including cavalry, infantry, and artillery cannons. With Mohammad Ali Shah urging him to ensure victory at all costs, the cannons bombarded the parliament building from four surrounding streets.

As smoke filled the air, the parliament speaker attempted to contact the Shah but a cannon strike severed communications. The Cossacks killed and injured the parliament’s defenders, occupied the building, and sent the members fleeing or into hiding. By day’s end, the parliament lay in ruins, marking a swift end to Iran’s era of constitutional democracy under the Qajar dynasty.

In the aftermath, Mohammad Ali Shah’s forces began arresting constitutionalists and critics across the country. However, pockets of resistance emerged, determined to fight back against the monarchy. In the city of Tabriz, the people had been preparing for such a confrontation. Two key figures, Sattar Khan, a former bandit turned revolutionary, and Baqir Khan, a luti (enforcer) leader, rallied the constitutionalist fighters.

Despite being outnumbered, Tabriz’s rebels repelled the monarchy’s initial attempts to crush their uprising. By October 1908, Sattar Khan and Baqir Khan had retaken control of the city, becoming local heroes. Their victory was short-lived as the Cossack Brigade regrouped and laid siege to Tabriz in January 1909, cutting off vital supplies and gradually starving the city’s inhabitants.

In Gilan province, constitutionalists sought help from Caucasus-based Social Democrat groups opposing Russian rule. With their training, Gilan’s merchants and activists, led by Mirza Kuchak Khan, staged an elaborate ruse in February 1909 to oust the monarchy’s ruler, Sardar Afkham. They formed the “Secret Society of Sattar,” aiming to capture the capital, Tehran.

As Tabriz endured the prolonged Cossack siege, the Russian Empire, seeking to restore trade routes, intervened in April 1909 and temporarily lifted the blockade without addressing the rebels’ demands. This stalemate inspired other resistance groups like the nomadic Bakhtiari tribe in southwestern Iran.

In late 1908, Bakhtiari forces, a strong clan from the west of Iran, marched to liberate the city of Isfahan from the monarchy’s rule. After fierce street battles, the Bakhtiari riders took control of key areas in early January 1909, forcing the Shah’s appointed ruler to flee. With news of Gilan’s army marching towards Tehran, the emboldened Bakhtiari rebels prepared to join the ultimate showdown against the Qajar dynasty.

Music:

• Written in Inc – Kai Engel
• Somnolence – Kai Engel
• Between Nothing and Everything – Kai Engel
• Somber Descent – Kai Engel
• Eglair – Alex Productions

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The post Book One – Ep.4: The Bombardment appeared first on The Lion and The Sun Podcast.