The history of political movements in Iran is a complex web of ideological shifts, external influences, and internal power struggles. Among these movements, one of the most unusual and controversial is SOMKA, the National Socialist Workers Party of Iran. With deep connections to Nazi Germany, SOMKA stands as an unsettling testament to the global reach of fascist ideologies even in the far reaches of the Middle East during the mid-20th century. The party’s story weaves through Nazi propaganda, nationalist sentiments, political repression, and a long legacy of ideological confusion.
Historical Context: Iran in the 1930s–1940s
Before exploring SOMKA itself, it is important to understand the broader geopolitical and social context of Iran during the 1930s and 1940s. Under the rule of Reza Shah Pahlavi, Iran was undergoing rapid modernization. Reza Shah was an admirer of European power structures, particularly those of Germany and Italy, and sought to emulate their centralized and authoritarian approaches to governance.
Germany had strong diplomatic and economic ties with Iran during this time. German engineers and educators were brought in to help develop infrastructure, and German companies were involved in Iranian industry. As the Axis powers gained influence globally, Nazi ideology began subtly infiltrating Iranian society, particularly through educational institutions. German teachers, textbooks, and propaganda found their way into schools and universities.