The Persian Constitutional Revolution

The movement that forced Iran's Qajar shah to accept a constitution and an elected parliament.

Background

Qajar rule was marked by financial weakness, large foreign loans and concessions to Russian and British interests. Merchants, clergy and intellectuals resented arbitrary government and the growing influence of foreign powers.

Course of events

Large protests in 1905 and 1906, including bast, or sanctuary-taking, in Tehran and at the British legation, led Mozaffar ad-Din Shah to sign a constitutional decree in 1906. The first Majles met that autumn. In 1908 his successor shelled the parliament, but constitutionalists retook Tehran in 1909.

Legacy

Russia's ultimatum in 1911 led to the closing of the Majles, and the constitution was left weakened. The revolution nevertheless created Iran's first modern parliament and the idea of a limited monarchy.