Key Ideological Tenets:
-
Aryan Supremacy: SOMKA emphasized the superiority of the Aryan race, but focused specifically on the Persian branch of the Aryan family. This emphasis was designed to glorify pre-Islamic history and culture, particularly the Achaemenid and Sassanid Empires.
-
Anti-Communism: The party considered communism an existential threat to identity and sovereignty. Much of SOMKA’s early efforts were directed against the Tudeh Party, which was popular among urban workers and intellectuals.
-
Militant Nationalism: The party believed in strong, centralized authority and militarization of society. This included paramilitary training, uniforms, and marches.
-
Symbolism and Uniforms: Members of SOMKA wore black and brown uniforms, similar to the Nazi SS. The party’s emblem was a simplified Forouhar eagle, a reference to ancient Persian symbolism, standing in place of the Nazi swastika. The party also used armbands and performed salutes inspired by the Hitlergruß (Nazi salute).
-
Anti-Semitism and Racism: While not as overtly genocidal as the Nazi Party, SOMKA did express xenophobic and anti-Semitic ideas. Allegations from sources such as Harun Yeshayaei, a Jewish filmmaker, claim that SOMKA members would shout anti-Semitic slogans near Jewish schools, creating fear among minority populations.
