Iran and the Modern Middle
East: Regional and International
Politics I
Course Description:
The modern history of Iran has been tumultuous, full of revolts, revolutions
and reversals. Key political developments in the nineteenth century included
the impact of European political philosophies and Western educational
systems, the Tobacco Revolt (1891), the Constitutional Revolution (1906-1911)
and its aftermath, and the rise of feminist movements. Pivotal events in the
twentieth century included the rise of the Pahlavi dynasty and the
modernization project, the nationalization of oil production, the British and
CIA-staged coup that removed the democratically-chosen Prime Minister
Mohammad Mosaddeq (1882-1967), the White Revolution and urbanization,
the repression of intellectuals and the 1979 Revolution, the hostage crisis, the
Iran-Iraq war (1980-88), and the consolidation of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
These events have been followed in recent decades by reforms and revolts
and even, most recently, by the possibility of war against the United States.
The year 1979 marked the start of several weighty political developments in
the Middle East, which have considerably changed the region and
international relations. The rivalry between Iran and Saudi-Arabia, the Shiite-
Sunnite divide, the role of Iran in Afghanistan, the ISIS in Iraq and Syria, and
Hizballah in Lebanon are among topics which are going to be treated in this
course. We will survey this period from the perspectives of Iranians, seeing
how they view their own history and use religious tenets, poetry, art and
material culture to contribute to the modernization of their country. How have
they positioned Iran in the regional and international political settings? While
secondary sources will be used to examine Iran’s modern history, key primary
sources will be introduced in translation, to show how Iranians look at their
own history in relation to their neighbours and Western powers.
Iran and the Modern Middle East: Regional and International Politics I 1
, https://youtu.be/nd4jqfrubeY?si=zfjK1lsXNPVlGhzV
Hoorcollege Week I: Introducing European Political
Philosophy
Nineteenth century Persia played an essential role in the formation of a
modern state. This period witnessed the foundation of a modern styled
college, the Dār al-Funūn, the introduction of western-inspired curriculum at
schools, the journey of Iranian students to Europe, the rise of newspapers, the
emancipation of women, and the contrast between the European
technological progress and the stagnation of Iran, all invited Iranian
intellectuals to evaluate their own culture, searching for the reasons for the
country’s stagnation. While several intellectuals believed that the only way to
progress is to imitate the West, others wanted to modernize the country while
preserving the traditional Persian norms and values. In this lecture, we will
discuss how Iranians looked at themselves, how they fought to introduce a
constitutional form of government, focusing on the concepts such as
freedom, parliament, equality before the law, and human rights. Attention will
also be paid to the rise of nationalist sentiments, anti-British and anti-Russian
expressions in poetic and visual sources, and material culture.
History of Iran by Periods
Pre-Islamic Period (to ca. 1000 BC)
Prehistoric Iran
... – 3000 BC: Prehistoric period in Iran
Early human settlements and evolving cultures across the Iranian Plateau.
Elamite Empires (3000 – 1050 BC)
Located in Southwest Iran (modern-day Khuzestān)
One of the earliest civilizations in the region.
Iran and the Modern Middle East: Regional and International Politics I 2
, The Iranian Plateau
A broad geographic and cultural zone including parts of modern Iran, Iraq,
Afghanistan, and surrounding regions.
Known for a diverse array of cultures, languages, and religions over time.
Experienced constant movement and migration of tribes, including invasions
by tribes from Central China.
Borders shifted frequently, with Iran's political identity evolving over millennia.
Emerging Iranian Identity and Legacy
Cyrus the Great (ca. 600–530 BC)
Founder of the Achaemenid Empire.
Revered by later generations for his just rule.
"Even before its discovery, Cyrus had been renowned as a benevolent and
noble ruler. The Greek historian Xenophon (about 430–354 BC) presented him
as an ideal leader in his Cyropaedia, while Old Testament texts praise Cyrus for
bringing an end to the Jewish exile in Babylon. The Cylinder provides a valuable
complement to this legacy, for it records — in Cyrus's own words — how, on
taking control of Babylon, he restored religious traditions, and permitted those
who had been deported to return to their settlements in and around Babylonia."
— Timothy Potts, Director of the J. Paul Getty Museum
Cyrus Cylinder:
Considered by many as the first declaration of human rights.
Nationalist Iranians often refer to it as a source of pride (Iranian identity),
emphasizing Iran’s early contribution to global human rights.
Iran – Israel – Hamas Relations
Iran’s Stance on Hamas
Iran and the Modern Middle East: Regional and International Politics I 3
, Iran has been a known supporter of Hamas, particularly in terms of
political and military backing.
It also supports Hamas-aligned groups in Lebanon (Hezbollah) and Yemen
(Houthi rebels).
Opposition to the Iranian Regime
Some foreign figures and Iranian dissidents advocate for regime change in
Iran.
Reza Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince of Iran, has openly opposed the
Islamic Republic.
Israeli Intelligence Minister Gila Gamliel has expressed support for Iranian
dissidents and emphasized the need for international pressure on Iran.
Reza Pahlavi and Israel
Reza Pahlavi has met with Israeli officials and voiced support for closer
ties between the Iranian people (not the regime) and Israel.
His involvement has been controversial among various political groups but
symbolic of a potential alternative vision for Iran's future.
Hellenistic and Middle-Iranian Period
Melting pot of cultures; Greek (Hellenistic) traditions mixed with Iranian
elements.
312 – ca. 130 BC: Seleucid rule
Greek influence after Alexander the Great.
ca. 238 BC: Arsaces becomes king of Parthia (Khorâsân) and Hyrcania
(Gorgân)
ca. 171 – 225 AD: Parthian Empire
Fought wars against the Romans in Syria, Mesopotamia, and Armenia.
ca. 225 – 640 AD: Sasanian Empire
Centralization of royal power.
Iran and the Modern Middle East: Regional and International Politics I 4
, Zoroastrianism becomes the state religion.
Wars with Byzantium/Romans and nomads from Central Asia.
Valerian surrenders to Shapur I: Depicted in rock reliefs showing
Roman defeat
Iran under the direct Arabian power (till the 9th century)
Iranian “renaissance” ca 850-1000
The appearance of semi-independent states in the Eastern part of Iran
Tâherids (821-873)
Sâmanids
Saffärids
Ziyârids
Buyids/Boweyhids, a Shiite Iranian dynasty, in the western part of Iran;
The rise of New Persian as the written language;
Start of a rich Persian literary tradition, which makes Persian as a lingua franca
in a wide region from the Balkans to the Bay of Bengal
First Turkic Dynasties in Iran (ca. 1000–1220)
Important period marking the rise of Turkic dynasties in the Iranian Plateau.
Military elites often included enslaved people (ghulams or mamluks) trained
for service.
Two main Turkic dynasties dominated this era:
1. Ghaznavid Dynasty (977–1186)
Based in Khorâsân, Afghanistan, and Panjab (capitals: Ghazna, Lahore)
Persian culture flourished under their rule despite Turkic origin.
Known for military expansion into the Indian subcontinent.
2. Seljuk Empire (1038–1194)
Iran and the Modern Middle East: Regional and International Politics I 5
, Controlled key cities like Isfahan, Baghdad, and Marv
Played a major role in spreading Sunni Islam and reviving Persian
administrative culture.
Their rule marked the peak of Turkic-Persian synthesis.
Khwârazm-Shâh Dynasty (1077–1231)
Successors of the Seljuks in eastern Iran and Central Asia.
Capital in Khiva (and later Samarkand).
Fell shortly before the Mongol invasions.
Shahanshah 'King of Kings'
The term Shah also implied autocratic independence from any priestly or other
human legitimizing agency (... receiving) their divine mandate directly from a
deity and not from a Zoroastrian priest.
King who ruled over all the other vessels, sultans in the area. Good and evil,
light and darkness, combined religions and worldy affairs
Seven Regions (Haft Kishvar) – Iranian Worldview
Ancient and medieval cosmological concept describing the world as divided
into seven regions.
Reflects an Iranian-centric and often nationalistic perspective—with Iranian
lands considered the most important and six times larger or more significant.
This worldview persisted until the 11th century in Persian geographical and
literary traditions.
The Seven Regions:
1. Iranian Lands (central and superior)
2. Lands of the Arabs
3. Lands of North Africa
4. Lands of India
Iran and the Modern Middle East: Regional and International Politics I 6
East: Regional and International
Politics I
Course Description:
The modern history of Iran has been tumultuous, full of revolts, revolutions
and reversals. Key political developments in the nineteenth century included
the impact of European political philosophies and Western educational
systems, the Tobacco Revolt (1891), the Constitutional Revolution (1906-1911)
and its aftermath, and the rise of feminist movements. Pivotal events in the
twentieth century included the rise of the Pahlavi dynasty and the
modernization project, the nationalization of oil production, the British and
CIA-staged coup that removed the democratically-chosen Prime Minister
Mohammad Mosaddeq (1882-1967), the White Revolution and urbanization,
the repression of intellectuals and the 1979 Revolution, the hostage crisis, the
Iran-Iraq war (1980-88), and the consolidation of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
These events have been followed in recent decades by reforms and revolts
and even, most recently, by the possibility of war against the United States.
The year 1979 marked the start of several weighty political developments in
the Middle East, which have considerably changed the region and
international relations. The rivalry between Iran and Saudi-Arabia, the Shiite-
Sunnite divide, the role of Iran in Afghanistan, the ISIS in Iraq and Syria, and
Hizballah in Lebanon are among topics which are going to be treated in this
course. We will survey this period from the perspectives of Iranians, seeing
how they view their own history and use religious tenets, poetry, art and
material culture to contribute to the modernization of their country. How have
they positioned Iran in the regional and international political settings? While
secondary sources will be used to examine Iran’s modern history, key primary
sources will be introduced in translation, to show how Iranians look at their
own history in relation to their neighbours and Western powers.
Iran and the Modern Middle East: Regional and International Politics I 1
, https://youtu.be/nd4jqfrubeY?si=zfjK1lsXNPVlGhzV
Hoorcollege Week I: Introducing European Political
Philosophy
Nineteenth century Persia played an essential role in the formation of a
modern state. This period witnessed the foundation of a modern styled
college, the Dār al-Funūn, the introduction of western-inspired curriculum at
schools, the journey of Iranian students to Europe, the rise of newspapers, the
emancipation of women, and the contrast between the European
technological progress and the stagnation of Iran, all invited Iranian
intellectuals to evaluate their own culture, searching for the reasons for the
country’s stagnation. While several intellectuals believed that the only way to
progress is to imitate the West, others wanted to modernize the country while
preserving the traditional Persian norms and values. In this lecture, we will
discuss how Iranians looked at themselves, how they fought to introduce a
constitutional form of government, focusing on the concepts such as
freedom, parliament, equality before the law, and human rights. Attention will
also be paid to the rise of nationalist sentiments, anti-British and anti-Russian
expressions in poetic and visual sources, and material culture.
History of Iran by Periods
Pre-Islamic Period (to ca. 1000 BC)
Prehistoric Iran
... – 3000 BC: Prehistoric period in Iran
Early human settlements and evolving cultures across the Iranian Plateau.
Elamite Empires (3000 – 1050 BC)
Located in Southwest Iran (modern-day Khuzestān)
One of the earliest civilizations in the region.
Iran and the Modern Middle East: Regional and International Politics I 2
, The Iranian Plateau
A broad geographic and cultural zone including parts of modern Iran, Iraq,
Afghanistan, and surrounding regions.
Known for a diverse array of cultures, languages, and religions over time.
Experienced constant movement and migration of tribes, including invasions
by tribes from Central China.
Borders shifted frequently, with Iran's political identity evolving over millennia.
Emerging Iranian Identity and Legacy
Cyrus the Great (ca. 600–530 BC)
Founder of the Achaemenid Empire.
Revered by later generations for his just rule.
"Even before its discovery, Cyrus had been renowned as a benevolent and
noble ruler. The Greek historian Xenophon (about 430–354 BC) presented him
as an ideal leader in his Cyropaedia, while Old Testament texts praise Cyrus for
bringing an end to the Jewish exile in Babylon. The Cylinder provides a valuable
complement to this legacy, for it records — in Cyrus's own words — how, on
taking control of Babylon, he restored religious traditions, and permitted those
who had been deported to return to their settlements in and around Babylonia."
— Timothy Potts, Director of the J. Paul Getty Museum
Cyrus Cylinder:
Considered by many as the first declaration of human rights.
Nationalist Iranians often refer to it as a source of pride (Iranian identity),
emphasizing Iran’s early contribution to global human rights.
Iran – Israel – Hamas Relations
Iran’s Stance on Hamas
Iran and the Modern Middle East: Regional and International Politics I 3
, Iran has been a known supporter of Hamas, particularly in terms of
political and military backing.
It also supports Hamas-aligned groups in Lebanon (Hezbollah) and Yemen
(Houthi rebels).
Opposition to the Iranian Regime
Some foreign figures and Iranian dissidents advocate for regime change in
Iran.
Reza Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince of Iran, has openly opposed the
Islamic Republic.
Israeli Intelligence Minister Gila Gamliel has expressed support for Iranian
dissidents and emphasized the need for international pressure on Iran.
Reza Pahlavi and Israel
Reza Pahlavi has met with Israeli officials and voiced support for closer
ties between the Iranian people (not the regime) and Israel.
His involvement has been controversial among various political groups but
symbolic of a potential alternative vision for Iran's future.
Hellenistic and Middle-Iranian Period
Melting pot of cultures; Greek (Hellenistic) traditions mixed with Iranian
elements.
312 – ca. 130 BC: Seleucid rule
Greek influence after Alexander the Great.
ca. 238 BC: Arsaces becomes king of Parthia (Khorâsân) and Hyrcania
(Gorgân)
ca. 171 – 225 AD: Parthian Empire
Fought wars against the Romans in Syria, Mesopotamia, and Armenia.
ca. 225 – 640 AD: Sasanian Empire
Centralization of royal power.
Iran and the Modern Middle East: Regional and International Politics I 4
, Zoroastrianism becomes the state religion.
Wars with Byzantium/Romans and nomads from Central Asia.
Valerian surrenders to Shapur I: Depicted in rock reliefs showing
Roman defeat
Iran under the direct Arabian power (till the 9th century)
Iranian “renaissance” ca 850-1000
The appearance of semi-independent states in the Eastern part of Iran
Tâherids (821-873)
Sâmanids
Saffärids
Ziyârids
Buyids/Boweyhids, a Shiite Iranian dynasty, in the western part of Iran;
The rise of New Persian as the written language;
Start of a rich Persian literary tradition, which makes Persian as a lingua franca
in a wide region from the Balkans to the Bay of Bengal
First Turkic Dynasties in Iran (ca. 1000–1220)
Important period marking the rise of Turkic dynasties in the Iranian Plateau.
Military elites often included enslaved people (ghulams or mamluks) trained
for service.
Two main Turkic dynasties dominated this era:
1. Ghaznavid Dynasty (977–1186)
Based in Khorâsân, Afghanistan, and Panjab (capitals: Ghazna, Lahore)
Persian culture flourished under their rule despite Turkic origin.
Known for military expansion into the Indian subcontinent.
2. Seljuk Empire (1038–1194)
Iran and the Modern Middle East: Regional and International Politics I 5
, Controlled key cities like Isfahan, Baghdad, and Marv
Played a major role in spreading Sunni Islam and reviving Persian
administrative culture.
Their rule marked the peak of Turkic-Persian synthesis.
Khwârazm-Shâh Dynasty (1077–1231)
Successors of the Seljuks in eastern Iran and Central Asia.
Capital in Khiva (and later Samarkand).
Fell shortly before the Mongol invasions.
Shahanshah 'King of Kings'
The term Shah also implied autocratic independence from any priestly or other
human legitimizing agency (... receiving) their divine mandate directly from a
deity and not from a Zoroastrian priest.
King who ruled over all the other vessels, sultans in the area. Good and evil,
light and darkness, combined religions and worldy affairs
Seven Regions (Haft Kishvar) – Iranian Worldview
Ancient and medieval cosmological concept describing the world as divided
into seven regions.
Reflects an Iranian-centric and often nationalistic perspective—with Iranian
lands considered the most important and six times larger or more significant.
This worldview persisted until the 11th century in Persian geographical and
literary traditions.
The Seven Regions:
1. Iranian Lands (central and superior)
2. Lands of the Arabs
3. Lands of North Africa
4. Lands of India
Iran and the Modern Middle East: Regional and International Politics I 6
