The Lion and the Sun

Is it Iran or Persia? The historical roots, cultural significance, and modern relevance of these two names and which one to use.

This is the transcript for Book One, episode 6 of The Lion and the Sun podcast: Russian Roulette about Iran…

How a journalist and a military lieutenant orchestrated the 1921 coup d’état and how Reza Khan gained control of Iran’s military and became an influential player in the government.
The biggest oil field the world had ever seen, a foreign military occupation and a socialist revolution in the north. As Russia's influence wanes, Britain seizes control of Iran's newfound
As the great war breaks out in Europe, Persia is turned into the ultimate proxy battleground. The story of the First World War and how British, Russian, and German forces
Two constituionalist armies march toward the capital to face the Qajar monarchy and reestablish democracy in the battle of Tehran
An old king tries to reclaim his throne, the United States sends Morgan Shuster to help Iran's finances, and Russia invades. The complicated history of Iran and Russia and how
Two constitutionalist armies arrive at the gates of Tehran and Mohammad Ali Shah prepares the capital of Iran for an all-out war. How battle of Tehran reshaped the future of
An attack on parliament, a power hungry shah and the struggle of people for democracy.
The battle for Iran's constitutional democracy rages on as the reactionary forces of Mohammad Ali Shah lay siege to the Parliament. In the aftermath of brutal bombardment, pockets of resistance
How a change in power doomed Iran's very first parliament. Story of Mohammad Ali Shah and his grudge against democracy.
What comes after establishing democracy in a nation? Protecting it at all costs. In this episode, the ideals of democracy clash with the limitations of Islam and the new Shah
Iran’s fight for democracy started with a dispute over tobacco! How Iran's tobacco protests jump-started the fight for Persia’s democracy.
Welcome to the Lion and the Sun Podcast: A Modern History of Iran
A look at the history of the lion and the sun, a symbol of power, divinity, and national pride through centuries of Persian history.

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