Empire 118. Iran's First Revolution
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Jan 30, 2024 
Ali Ansari, a Professor of Modern History at St Andrews and an expert on Iranian history, dives into Iran's turbulent past. He discusses the 1906 Constitutional Revolution's liberal aspirations and the subsequent rise of Reza Shah amidst chaos. The conversation reveals how foreign powers exploited Iran, igniting public dissent and awakening political consciousness. Ansari also highlights the Pahlavi dynasty's role in shaping modern Iran, illustrating the complex interplay between modernization, authority, and ongoing foreign influence.
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Fath Ali Shah's Splendor
- Sir Robert Kerr Porter described Fath Ali Shah's opulent appearance in 1818.
- The Shah wore a tiara of diamonds, pearls, and other jewels, dazzling all who saw him.
Fath Ali Shah's Image
- Fath Ali Shah, ruling from 1796, was obsessed with displaying his manhood.
- As the nephew of a eunuch, he cultivated a magnificent jeweled beard and fathered many children.
Agha Mohammad Shah's Cruelty
- Agha Mohammad Shah, a eunuch, took brutal revenge on those who castrated him.
- After capturing Kirman, he ordered the blinding or killing of men, demanding their eyeballs as proof.