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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.
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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
