Book One – Ep.9: The Coup

Book One – Ep.9: The Coup

Author: String Studios August 7, 2024 Duration: 22:42
The Lion and The Sun: A Modern History of Iran
History

A new player emerges in Persian politics…
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.

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Episode Summary

In the early 1920s, Persia faced a period of intense political turmoil following World War I. Amidst this chaos, two figures emerged with plans to reshape Persia’s future: Seyyed Zia al-Din Tabataba’i, a journalist turned political activist, and Reza Khan, a rising military leader from the Cossack Brigade.

On February 21, 1921, these men orchestrated a military coup in Tehran. Reza Khan led 4,000 Cossack soldiers into the capital, while posters declaring martial law appeared throughout the city. The existing government quickly fell, and Ahmad Shah appointed Sayyed Zia as the new prime minister.

Sayyed Zia’s tenure began with promises of reform and appeals to national pride. However, his rule lasted only three months before he was removed from office and exiled, having alienated both the elite and working classes.

While Sayyed Zia’s influence waned, Reza Khan’s power grew. As Minister of War, he unified the country’s military factions under his command. His successes in pushing back foreign influences and quelling internal rebellions won him widespread support.

By October 1923, Reza Khan had become so influential that Ahmad Shah appointed him Prime Minister. This marked a significant shift, as a man of humble origins now held the highest civilian office in the land.

For Reza Khan, however, this was just a stepping stone. He envisioned himself as the undisputed leader who could restore Persia to its former glory.

Music

  • Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen – Digital Future
  • Kai Engel – Somnolence
  • Hampus Naeselius – Highway Chase
  • Hampus Naeselius – Close Quarters
  • Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen – Covert Affairs

The post Book One – Ep.9: The Coup 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

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The Lion and The Sun: A Modern History of Iran
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