Political Engagement and the Constitutional Era
The early 20th century was a turbulent period in Iran, marked by the Constitutional Revolution (1905–1911). Vaziri, coming from a constitutionalist family, became politically active in his youth.
In 1909, while stationed in Karaj on a military mission, he came into conflict with the Russian commander of the local forces, reflecting his growing nationalist and revolutionary sympathies. Forced to go into hiding, he collaborated with constitutionalist fighters, smuggling arms and participating in resistance against the Cossacks.
This experience intertwined his identity as a soldier with that of a political activist. It also fostered his belief that music and cultural renewal were inseparable from broader national reform.
Return to the Army and the Title of Colonel
After the suppression of the Minor Autocracy, Vaziri rejoined the army. In 1909 (1288 AH), he achieved the rank of colonel and was appointed commander of Astarabad, Semnan, and Damghan. However, political shifts soon disrupted his career.
When Qavam al-Saltanah became Minister of War in 1910, he ordered all officers to re-qualify through exams. Vaziri failed the exam, losing his colonel rank and being demoted to captain (sultan). Yet his friends and colleagues continued to address him as “Colonel Vaziri” — a title that remained attached to his name for the rest of his life, even as his fame grew primarily through music rather than military exploits.
He remained in the army until 1911, participating in campaigns against regional uprisings such as Salar al-Dawlah’s march toward Tehran. Following the dismissal of American financial advisor Morgan Shuster and the resulting foreign pressures, Vaziri eventually left the army and began devoting himself more fully to music.
