The Persian famine of 1917–1918 caused deaths by starvation, and cholera, of as much as one quarter of the population living in the north of homeland. Although the research of Mohammad Gholi Majd alleges as many as 8–10 million died, across the whole nation, based on an alternate pre-famine Persian population estimate of 19 million, and diplomatic cables.
Periods of drought and poor harvests further reduced food availability, worsening an already fragile situation. War-related instability caused currency devaluation and soaring prices. Bread and basic food items became unaffordable for much of the population. Wealthy merchants and landlords hoarded grain to sell at higher prices later, which aggravated shortages and increased suffering among the poor.
