Political Assassinations in Iran (1286-1296 Solar Hijri)

Sohrab Yazdani is undoubtedly one of the most serious historical researchers of our time. This time, he addresses the engaging and important topic of political assassinations in Iran during the years 1286 to 1296 Solar Hijri. Although the custom of regicide existed even before the Qajar era and many kings of this land met their fate at the hands of subordinates and conspirators, Yazdani begins his book by defining his specific interpretation of “political assassination” and then by recounting the killing of Naser al-Din Shah by Mirza Reza Kermani. This event marks a new chapter in political assassinations in Iran. In each case, he studies the methods and organization of the assassins, their objectives, and the short- and long-term impacts on the country’s political arena. After explaining the assassination of Naser al-Din Shah, the author moves on to the killing of Amin al-Sultan and the failed assassination attempt on Mohammad Ali Shah Qajar. The nature of the killings discussed in the third chapter differs somewhat from earlier ones, as these assassinations took place after Mohammad Ali Shah’s Minor Tyranny and mostly resulted from political factional purges. The final chapter might remind readers of the TV series “Hezar Dastan” directed by Ali Hatami. Fans of this enduring series will find a strong connection with this section, as Yazdani discusses the “Punishment Committee.” It is well known how, during World War I, the Russians and British interfered in the country’s affairs and used some newspapers and officials as their executors. This situation led Mirza Ebrahim Khan Monshizadeh to form a secret society. Along with his old ally Asadollah Khan Abolfathzadeh, he devised the plan to establish the Punishment Committee in early Shahrivar 1295 Solar Hijri. Soon after, Mohammad Nazar Khan Meshkavialmalek joined them, and the “Central Punishment Committee” was formed. The committee gradually accepted other members, began collecting weapons, and started carrying out assassinations. Eventually, on 22 Tir 1296, its members were arrested and punished. Detailed accounts of the committee’s activities can be found in this book.