Episodes

Welcome to the Lion and the Sun: A Modern History of Iran New episodes every two weeks on Wednesdays. The post Trailer appeared first on The Lion and The Sun Podcast.

How a religious ban on tobacco jump started the fight for Persia's democracy. The story of the Qajar dynasty, their attempt at auctioning Persia's resources and how Iranians came together to fight foreign influence and protect their right to smoke.

What can you do when the king is assassinated, prices are high and the country is in crisis? You demand a parliament. The story of how Persia’s first national assembly (Majlis) was established and how democracy found its way into Iran. Episode Summary In this episode, we look at the events of 1906 that catalyzed the Persian Constitutional Revolution. It begins with an assassination. After the death of Nasir Al-Din Shah, his son, Mozaffar takes the throne. During Mozaffar Al-Din Shah, economic...

What comes after establishing democracy in a nation? Protecting it at all costs. In this episode, the ideals of democracy clash with the limitations of Islam and the new Shah maneuvers to undermine the parliament’s authority, even as the people take to the streets to defend their hard-won freedoms. Episode Summary In the fall of 1906, after months of strikes and protests, Iranians were able to convince the shah to order the establishment of the country’s very first parliament, the Majlis. Thi...

How Mohammad Ali Shah laid siege to the parliament building, ending Iran’s brief experiment with democracy. Discover the story of the Majlis bombardment and the Iranian guerrilla warfare to reclaim their hard-fought freedom. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok or X (Twitter) For early access to episodes, become a supporter on Patreon. Episode Summary On June 2nd, 1908, the Iranian parliament was carrying out its daily activities when the sound of marching soldiers filled the building. Sensing dang...

Two constitutionalist armies arrive at the gates of Tehran and Mohammad Ali Shah prepares the capital of Iran for an all-out war. How the battle of Tehran reshaped the future of democracy in Iran and how the country was forced to change in its aftermath. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok or X (Twitter). For early access to episodes, become a supporter on Patreon. Episode Summary After the bombardment of Majlis, the flames of revolution burned across Persia as uprisings erupted against the monarc...

An old king tries to reclaim his throne, the United States sends help for the country’s finances, and Russia invades Iran. The complicated history of Iran and Russia and how the Russian influence impacted Iran’s democracy and crippled its government throughout the years. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok or X (Twitter). For early access to episodes, become a supporter on Patreon. Episode Summary On July 13, 1909, Mohammad Ali Shah abdicated the throne and fled to Russia after the Battle of Tehra...

As the great war breaks out in Europe, Persia is turned into the ultimate proxy battleground. The story of the First World War and how British, Russian, and German forces competed for control in Iran. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok or X (Twitter). For early access to episodes, become a supporter on Patreon. Episode Summary On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, was assassinated by Gavrilo Princip who fired the fatal shots that killed Franz Ferdinand a...

The biggest oil field the world had ever seen, a foreign military occupation and a socialist revolution in the north. As Russia’s influence wanes, Britain seizes control of Iran’s newfound oil wealth and expands its influence in the region. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok or X (Twitter). For early access to episodes, become a supporter on Patreon. Episode Summary In the early 20th century, Iran underwent a transformative period centred around the discovery of oil and its far-reaching consequen...

A new player emerges in Persian politics… How a journalist and a military lieutenant orchestrated the 1921 coup d’état and how Reza Khan gained control of Iran’s military and became an influential player in the government. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok or X (Twitter). For early access to episodes, become a supporter on Patreon. Episode Summary In the early 1920s, Persia faced a period of intense political turmoil following World War I. Amidst this chaos, two figures emerged with plans to res...

In the season finale of the podcast, Reza Khan aims for total control, the young shah flees his country and Iran braces itself for a brave new world. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok or X (Twitter). For early access to episodes, become a supporter on Patreon. Listen to all book one episodes on our website. Episode Summary Persia had been rocked by political instability in the years following World War I. Prime ministers had come and gone, unable to establish a stable government amidst the chao...

A defiant Sheikh, a province rich in oil, and Reza Khan’s push to unify a fractured Iran. The story of Arabistan and how one local tribe became the biggest threat to Persia. This is a special two-part episode of The Lion and the Sun to celebrate reaching 100k downloads. Thank you so much for your support and for listening to our show. We’ll be back in January 2025 with season 2! Follow us on Instagram, TikTok or X (Twitter). For early access to episodes, become a supporter on Patreon. Episod...

Reza Khan’s army marches toward Arabistan, Khaz’al tries to unite local tribes against the government and the battle for Arabistan reaches its breaking point. This is part two of a special episode of The Lion and the Sun to celebrate reaching 100k downloads. Listen to part one here. Thank you so much for your support and for listening to our show. We’ll be back in January 2025 with season 2! Follow us on Instagram, TikTok or X (Twitter). For early access to episodes, become a supporter on Pa...

The Qajar dynasty was the embodiment of ineffectiveness. Tyrants incapable of true tyranny. This is the story of their demise. Season two of The Lion and the Sun Podcast will start next week. If you’re new to this show, we suggest starting with book one and working your way here! But if you’re not into revisiting the past or are one of our older listeners who has already listened to the previous season, this recap could be a great way for you to catch up with the story. The Lion and the Sun i...