Book One – Ep.5: Battle of Tehran

Book One – Ep.5: Battle of Tehran

Author: String Studios May 15, 2024 Duration: 24:07
The Lion and The Sun: A Modern History of Iran
History

Two constitutionalist armies arrive at the gates of Tehran and Mohammad Ali Shah prepares the capital of Iran for an all-out war. How the battle of Tehran reshaped the future of democracy in Iran and how the country was forced to change in its aftermath.

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok or X (Twitter).
For early access to episodes, become a supporter on Patreon.

Episode Summary

After the bombardment of Majlis, the flames of revolution burned across Persia as uprisings erupted against the monarchy of Mohammad Ali Shah. Though he attempted to calm the angry constitutionalists by forming a powerless Grand National Council, his efforts failed to quell the growing discontent.

Two formidable armies took shape – one from the north led by Sepahdar, and another from the west under Sardar Asad Bakhtiary. Their goal was to capture Tehran and reestablish democracy by force.

Fearing the unrest, the British and Russian empires warned the Shah about his tenuous grip on power. Left with no choice, Mohammad Ali Shah reluctantly agreed to reopen parliament. But it was too late. The northern and western constitutionalist forces combined, marching on the capital Tehran with determination.

As constitutionalist armies breached the gates, the battle of Tehran commenced and pitched combat erupted through the streets of Tehran.

After some days, the two armies took control of the city. The defeated Shah took shelter in the Russian embassy and abdicated his throne. In this historic moment, his young son Ahmad Shah was crowned the new monarch under the regency of his uncle Ażod-al-molk.

The second Iranian parliament was reopened in November 1909. After the reopening, Sepahdar became prime minister while Sardar Asad was named interior minister. Heroes like Sattar Khan and Bagher Khan, famed for the Tabriz struggles, arrived to congratulatory crowds.

Music

  • Power Music Factory
  • January – Kai Engel
  • Heart of the Wicked – CJbeards
  • Sunset- Kai Engel
  • Somnolence – Kai Engel
  • Idea. 1 – Kai Engel

The post Book One – Ep.5: Battle of Tehran appeared first on The Lion and The Sun Podcast.


The 2025 Signal Award winner for Best History Podcast, The Lion and The Sun: A Modern History of Iran from String Studios, explores a past defined by continuous striving for freedom and self-determination. This narrative history podcast moves beyond simple chronology to examine how the potent forces of faith, royal authority, democratic aspiration, and national identity have intertwined to shape the nation's complex journey to the present. Each episode is built on a foundation of meticulous research, delivered as a compelling story. The inaugural season, "Book One: The Qajars," focuses on a pivotal era, detailing the events and personalities behind the Constitutional Revolution that established Iran's first parliament. Listeners will hear a nuanced account of a society in profound transition, where modern ideas clashed with ancient institutions. The podcast carefully untangles these threads, revealing how decisions and movements from over a century ago continue to resonate deeply. It is an essential listen for anyone seeking to understand not just what happened, but why it matters today, offering clarity and context to a history that is often summarized but seldom fully grasped. Through this focused storytelling, the series provides a clear window into the forces that built a modern state.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 34

Official website RSS
instagramyoutubetiktokspotifypatreon
The Lion and The Sun: A Modern History of Iran
Podcast Episodes
Book Three – Ep.6: Nationalization (2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:57
With nationalization signed and Mosaddegh in office, Britain cuts off Iran’s oil exports and moves warships into the Gulf. Secret documents expose decades of political interference, American mediation fails, and Iran fin…
Book Three – Ep.5: Nationalization (1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:10
Failed negotiations, assassination, and a vote that changed Iran’s history. As pressure builds and compromise collapses, Mohammad Mosaddegh leads a united nation towards oil nationalization. Follow us on Instagram, TikTo…
Book Three – Ep.4: Paper City [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:27
Iran’s oil had enriched Britain and left its workers in shanty towns.When a deadly strike erupts and the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company refuses to yield, a veteran constitutionalist steps forward to fight for control of the n…
Book Three – Ep.3: New Friends [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:56
As Cold War tensions rise, Iran and the United States become unlikely allies. After surviving an assassination attempt, Mohammad Reza Shah moves to consolidate power and reshape Iran’s political order. Follow us on Insta…
Book Three – Ep.2: ADP [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:59
As World War II ends, Iran becomes the first battleground of the Cold War. After Stalin reaches for northern oil, a calculated gamble in Tehran determines whether the country will split or survive. Follow us on Instagram…
Book Three – Ep.1: Tehran Conference [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:38
After Reza Shah’s abdication, the young Mohammad Reza Pahlavi takes the throne. As Iran struggles with the aftermath of the Anglo-Soviet invasion, Allied leaders gather in Tehran to plan the next phase of the war. Book T…
Book Two Recap [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:16
In 1944, Reza Shah died alone. Banished from his homeland and despised by his people. But even his most bitter critics couldn’t deny one thing: He was the architect of a new Iran.The creator of a modern empire. Season th…
Book Three Trailer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:09
Kermit Roosevelt was on a mission that night. To overthrow Iran’s prime minister and take back control of its oil. Listen to new chapters from January 28th 2026. In book three of The Lion and the Sun, we look at how Iran…
Book Two – Special Episode: Exiled King [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:23
Our podcast is a Finalist in the 2025 Signal Awards in the History category! Vote for the listener’s choice award here. This is a special episode of The Lion and the Sun to celebrate our nomination: As Iran crowns a new…
Book Two – Ep.10: Abdication [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:05
In the season two finale, Britain and the Soviet Union invade Iran in hopes of a regime change … Follow us on Instagram, TikTok or X (Twitter). Support this show on Patreon. Sources for this episode. Episode Summary On A…

1234»