Date: 1891. Published in Qanun newspaper
Location: Iran
Key Terms: modernism; constitutionalism; Qanun;
1. Political satirist, Iranian modernist, and father of the Iranian Constitutional Revolution who
printed newspaper, "Qanun" (where he wrote this source), born in iran but spent only 10 yrs there,
father a scion of the Armenian community in iran, a community that during 19th cent was
commercially powerful due to its connections to European mercantile interests. Educated and lived
in France, he wrote from outside iran. Living far away meant a disadv for him as he wanst able to
grasp the details of Iranian society and culture
2. he was a Muslim interested in an "Islamic renaissance"
3. thought that 'law' was important to bring about an orderly society in which royal power was
subjected to checks and regulations
4. provides glimpse of internal criticism of the Iranian government's and Muslim intellectuals'
responses to European incursions... views as half-hearted attempts to hold on to bygone days and
waning power
5. Uses “we” (him and pop) and “you” for the state leaders.
Source:
Questioning the law and faith that’s used to justify the killing/tourtoring/misery…
State made a humiliation of military ranks and salaries.
Many sacrificed and serviced the state
Said “we have been completely blind and unaware of our rights and duties”, so ignorant and
hes (writer) trying to educate them.
Says taxes are supposed to be for protection but state misuses them
Thinking that you are our masters and lords is already of the past, not now.
Law woke people up
Religious reference…”Compassionate Lord did not create us for slavery to such as you”.
“Law of God”.
In accordance with the law of god…soldiers must be protectors of people’s rights,
wretchedness of iran due to people’s neglect, and lack of union.
Talks about power of union, people grasped meaning of power.
References a passage from minister. ;
Minister talks about how the job is not easy (“which of our ministers can sleep transquilly at
nigh?...is there anyone in the land who suffered more than the children of Abbas Mirza?”
A prince writes : “
