History

Abdolreza Pahlavi (October 22, 1924 – May 12, 2004), the seventh child and fourth son of Reza Shah, lived a life that mirrored the dramatic changes in Iran’s 20th-century history. Born into royalty but often relegated to the sidelines of political life, his story is one of quiet observation rather than direct governance—a prince whose life intersected with monarchy, modernization, …

Hulako Rambod was born into a distinguished lineage on November 18, 1298 (Persian calendar; corresponding to November 18, 1919 Gregorian) in the city of Tehran. His ancestry was deeply embedded in the political and tribal structure of Iran’s Qajar era. He was the youngest son of Mohammad Hossein Khan Karganroudi, widely known by his honorific Salar Asad. Salar Asad was the progeny of Nasratollah Khan …

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 …

Khalil Maleki: A Life of Democratic Socialism, Intellectual Integrity, and Political Marginalization Despite his differences of opinion with Mohammad Mosaddeq on many issues, Khalil Maleki remained one of his close associates until the end of his political career. However, following the coup of 18 Mordad (August 19, 1953), which overthrew the Mossadegh government, Maleki issued a statement referring to the …

Lieutenant General Haj Ali Kia (born 1285 in Lashkar) was one of the most enigmatic and influential figures in the Imperial Land Forces of Iran during the mid-20th century. Rising through the ranks of the Iranian military and ultimately playing a key role in the intelligence apparatus of the Pahlavi regime, Kia’s life was marked by military excellence, political maneuvering, …

Mehdi Ebrahimi Daryan: A Life of Enterprise, Charity, and Legacy Mehdi Ebrahimi Daryan was born in 1922 in the humble village of Daryan, nestled in the Shabestar region of East Azerbaijan Province, Iran. The son of a farming community, he grew up among people whose livelihoods depended on the land — a way of life marked by hard work, resilience, …

Mohammad Ali Tabrizian (Homayoun): A Life in Iranian Cinema Mohammad Ali Tabrizian, known by his stage name Homayoun, was a towering figure in the landscape of Iranian cinema. Born on May 5, 1937, in Tehran, Iran, his journey from a young aspiring actor to a beloved name on the silver screen reflected the evolution of the Iranian film industry itself. …

The National University Entrance Exam, commonly known as the Konkor, is arguably the most critical academic event in the life of millions of Iranian students. This highly competitive examination, conducted annually within Iran and even in Iranian schools abroad, serves as the primary gateway to higher education in the country. Its significance stems from the fact that admission to Iranian …

Suleiman Hayim: The Father of Bilingual Lexicography in Iran Suleiman Hayim (born 1266 SH / 1887 AD, Tehran – died 15 February 1969, Tehran) remains a towering figure in Iranian cultural and linguistic history. A lexicographer, translator, playwright, educator, and poet, Hayim’s lifelong dedication to linguistic bridges and cultural understanding earned him the title of the “father of bilingual lexicography …

On July 8, 1955, a catastrophic fire broke out in Tehran that would be remembered for decades as one of the most devastating urban fires in the history of Iran and the Middle East. The fire was triggered by the carelessness of a worker in a caravanserai near Shush Square, a bustling area in southern Tehran. This particular caravanserai was …