Iran's Constitutional Revolution of 1906 and Narratives of the Enlightenment

The Constitutional Revolution of 1906 opened the way for enormous change in Persia, heralding the modern era and creating a model for later political and cultural movements in the region. Broad in its scope, this multidisciplinary volume brings together essays from leading scholars in Iranian Studies to explore the significance of this revolution, its origins, and the people who made it happen. As the authors show, this period was one of unprecedented debate within Iran’s burgeoning press. Many different groups fought to shape the course of the Revolution, which opened up seemingly boundless possibilities for the country’s future and affected nearly every segment of its society. Exploring themes such as the role of women, the use of photography, and the uniqueness of the Revolution as an Iranian experience, the authors tell a story of immense transition, as the old order of the Shah subsided and was replaced by new institutions, new forms of expression, and a new social and political order.

About the Author

Ali Ansari is professor of Iranian history and founding director of the Institute for Iranian Studies at the University of St Andrews, as well as senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute and president of the British Institute of Persian Studies. He is the author of numerous books, including The Politics of Nationalism in Modern Iran .