Behind the Bastards Part One: The First Shah of Iran
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Mar 24, 2026 Dr. Kaveh Hoda, a physician and podcaster who offers historical commentary, guides a deep dive into Iran’s early 20th-century turmoil. The conversation traces British and Russian imperial maneuvers, the rise of the Persian Cossack Brigade, oil’s strategic lure, wartime occupation, and the Great Persian Famine. Personal exile memories and why this origin story still matters are also touched on.
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Persian Cossack Brigade Cemented Russian Leverage
- Persia created a Russian-officered Persian Cossack Brigade whose leadership tied Tehran's military power to Russia.
- The brigade became the country's sole effective military unit and a recurring instrument to suppress dissent.
Spheres Of Influence Ignored Persian Sovereignty
- Britain and Russia secretly carved Persia into spheres of influence without Persian consent, dividing the country into British, Russian, and neutral zones.
- Tehran and major cities fell under Russian sway, undermining sovereignty and fueling nationalist anger.
Early Oil Deals Fleeced Persia For Little Return
- William Knox Darcy negotiated Persian oil rights in 1901 for a small upfront sum and profit share, then partnered with Burma Oil to actually develop fields.
- Early deals sold national resources cheaply because oil's strategic value wasn't yet fully realized by Persians.