Ah Mad Kasravi

Ahmad Kasravi (1890-1946) was a prominent Iranian historian, jurist, linguist, and theologian who became a vocal secularist and intellectual. Born in Tabriz, he initially studied in a seminary before joining the Iranian Constitutional Revolution, after which he abandoned clerical training and became a staunch anti-cleric. Kasravi founded a movement aimed at fostering an Iranian secular identity during the Pahlavi era and authored over 70 books, many focusing on Iranian history and identity, particularly concerning Azerbaijan.

His secular and anti-monarchical stances drew strong opposition from both Shi'ite clergy and the Pahlavi court. He was linked with the Democrat Party and later established the Azadegan party. Kasravi's life ended tragically when he was assassinated by followers of the Fada'iyan-e Islam group. This act was supported by many prominent members of the Iranian clergy, including Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who viewed the assassins as heroes.

Born Ahmad Hokmabadi Tabrizi in 1890 in Tabriz, Kasravi's early life saw him enter a seminary. He studied Islamic sciences at the Talibiyeh school and, for a time, served as a Shi'ite cleric. His early exposure to the Persian Constitutional Revolution around 1904 significantly influenced him, leading to a growing inclination towards constitutionalism. This, coupled with opposition from his guardian and certain clerics, created friction. Despite his clerical path, Kasravi displayed a non-conformist attitude, adopting a beard, wearing glasses, and criticizing religious practices like fasting, which further alienated him from traditional clergy. A bout of typhus in 1909 left him with lasting health issues and contributed to his eventual departure from the clergy.

Following his withdrawal from the clergy, Kasravi dedicated himself to reading and intellectual pursuits, connecting with 'freedom seekers.' His reading of works like Zeyn al-Abedin Maraghei's travelogue was influential. During this period, he faced poverty and accusations of irreligion, forcing him to sell books and seek various means of livelihood, including failed attempts at sock weaving. He developed interests in mathematics, history, and Arabic, contributing articles to publications like Al-Irfan. In 1915, seeking further education, he enrolled at the American Memorial School in Tabriz, aiming to learn European languages.

Kasravi became a leading figure in advocating for an Iranian secular identity, establishing a political-social movement during the Pahlavi era. His extensive writings, totaling over 70 books, primarily in Persian, covered historical and linguistic topics. Key works included 'History of the Iranian Constitutional Revolution,' 'Azari or the Ancient Language of Azerbaijan,' and 'The 18 Year History of Azerbaijan.' His outspoken secularism and criticism of the monarchy brought him into direct conflict with powerful Shi'ite clergy and the court. He was initially associated with the Democrat Party and later founded the Azadegan party in 1941.

Ahmad Kasravi's radical secular and anti-clerical views made him a target. He was vehemently opposed by Shi'ite clerics and criticized by the Pahlavi court for his anti-monarchical statements. His assassination in 1946 by followers of Navvab Safavi, leader of the fundamentalist Fada'iyan-e Islam, was notably supported by many prominent Iranian clerics, including Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who hailed the assassins as heroes. Kasravi also took a strong stance against pan-Turkist movements, authoring significant works on the Iranian identity of Azerbaijan and its ancient Azeri language, leading to his condemnation by pan-Turkists in Azerbaijan and Iran.