Dan Snow's History Hit A History of Iran
36 snips
Jan 15, 2026 
Ali Ansari, a historian specializing in modern Iranian history and professor at the University of St Andrews, dives deep into Iran's rich past. He discusses pivotal moments like the Arab conquest, the rise of the Safavids, and the impact of Reza Shah's modernization efforts. Ansari connects historical events to current unrest, emphasizing how Iran's dual legacy of empire and myth shapes national identity. He also explores the long-term effects of Western engagement and advises on understanding Iran's complex political landscape.
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Sovereignty As Central Driver
- Iran's modern unrest roots in repeated struggles over sovereignty and dignity across the 20th century.
- The 1953 coup and 1979 Revolution are pivotal moments shaping distrust of foreign intervention and domestic authority.
Persianate World Beyond Borders
- The Persianate world historically stretched far beyond modern Iran, shaping language and administration across the region.
- Persian remained an administrative and cultural lingua franca, notably in Mughal India.
Ancient Persia Shapes East And West
- Ancient Persian empires profoundly shaped both Iranian identity and the West's foundation myths.
- Alexander and later dynasties were absorbed into Iranian mythology, blending history and legend.
