The Pahlavi dynasty has recently come under renewed scrutiny following the tragic death of Mahsa Amini, which has ignited widespread protests and uprisings in Iran. The Iranian people have demonstrated unwavering resilience in their efforts to bring down the current regime, which they perceive as a continuation of the oppressive Pahlavi rule.
As the public outcry gains momentum, the legacy of the Pahlavi dynasty and its impact on Iranian society are being re-examined, highlighting the ongoing struggle for democracy, freedom, and genuine modernization in Iran.
This article takes a closer look at the historical facts. The Pahlavi dynasty, founded by Reza Khan (Reza Shah Pahlavi) and continued by his son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, has left a lasting negative legacy in Iran. While some with vested interests try to present the Pahlavi dynasty as modernizing reformers, to buy credibility for his grandson, Reza Pahlavi, others see them as oppressive dictators with close ties to foreign powers.
Born in a small village in Mazandaran province in 1878, Reza Khan joined the Cossack Brigade as a soldier and rose through the ranks, orchestrating a military coup in 1923 that led to his becoming the Prime Minister and ultimately the establishment of the Pahlavi dynasty.
However, his alliance with Nazi Germany during World War II backfired, and he was forced by the British to abdicate the throne and pass it to his son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.
Reza Khan's modernization efforts in Iran have been widely debated, with evidence suggesting that his primary focus was on serving British interests rather than genuinely modernizing the country for the benefit of its people. His initiatives, such as establishing a centralized government and a professional military, primarily served to protect British economic interests in Iran. Infrastructure improvements, including railways, roads, and airports, mainly facilitated European companies' access to Iranian resources and markets.
Moreover, the establishment of national banks and the development of communication systems further strengthened foreign investors' control over Iran's economy, primarily benefiting British interests.
Education reform and secularism promotion were also geared towards serving foreign economic interests by developing a skilled labour force for industries such as oil, mining, agriculture, and manufacturing. Additionally, the suppression of progressive movements and religious institutions seeking to modernize Iran aimed to eliminate potential opposition to the country’s exploitation by foreign economic interests in Iran.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, several prominent figures in Iran emerged, advocating for a better future for their country. To name a few, Mirza Reza Kermani, a revolutionary and political activist, supported the Constitutional Revolution and left a lasting impact on future activists despite being executed by the Qajar government in 1896.
Mirza Malkom Khan, a journalist, political activist, and intellectual, championed Iranian nationalism and the idea of a constitutional monarchy. He played a crucial role in the Constitutional Revolution and established the Iranian Constitutional Association.
Ahmad Kasravi, a historian and writer, advocated for Iranian nationalism, secularism, and democracy, leaving a significant mark on Iranian intellectual and political discourse. These figures, committed to a brighter future for Iran, paved the way for future generations to continue the fight for democracy, freedom, and the development of a more inclusive and prosperous nation.
Initially, when Reza Khan needed them, he showed himself supportive of the ideas and movements that promoted advancements in technology, human knowledge, and modernity in Iran. However, after General Ironside appointed him in line with British strategy, his stance changed. Reza Khan began to suppress political opposition and limit freedom of speech, which impacted the legacies of key influencers and their followers.
Some of these prominent figures, who played crucial roles in promoting modernity and progress while defending Iran's independence, were targeted by Reza Khan's regime. For example, Ali Akbar Dehkhoda, a leading figure in the revival of the Persian language and culture, was arrested and imprisoned by the Pahlavi regime in 1935 for supporting opposition groups. Similarly, Ahmad Kasravi, a prominent historian and advocate for secularism and democracy, was arrested and imprisoned by Reza Khan in 1946. He was later executed on charges of apostasy and heresy, which were widely considered politically motivated.
Reza Khan's regime targeted political activists, intellectuals, and clergy members who opposed his policies or advocated for greater political and social freedoms. By eliminating key influencers, suppressing opposition groups, censoring the media, and restricting civil liberties, Reza Khan aimed to maintain his grip on power and control over Iran.
The claim that he was not a leader with his people or Iran's sovereignty in mind is supported by the ease with which the British removed him from power and installed his young son on the throne to continue serving their interests. Ultimately, Reza Khan's allegiance to his backers did not buy him a happy ending.
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Ali Seifi is an experienced human rights activist and a member of the Iranian opposition diaspora in Ireland. With over 20 years of experience advocating for democracy in Iran, as well as extensive research on contemporary Iranian history, Seifi is a respected voice on the region.
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