History of Modern Iran

In 1848, the great Iranian statesman Amir Kabir stood ready to transform Iran's fortunes through a program of political and administrative reform. Four years later, he found himself out of power and waiting for his own execution.

Between 1848 and 1850, a new religious movement - 'Bábism' - emerged in Iran. Followers of a Shirazi merchant known as the 'Báb' (the Arabic word for 'gate') believed in the imminent arrival of the Mahdi and a new revelation for mankind. Relations between the Bábis and the Iranian state and religious establishment quickly deteriorated, leading to bloodshed and armed conflict.

In 1848, Muhammad Shah, the King of Kings and Pivot of the Universe, died. Crown Prince Nasir al Din Qajar - a teenager with little experience of governance or politics - prepared to ascend the peacock throne. To do so, he would need the help of his energetic and capable mentor: Amir Kabir.

In the second part of this episode we delve further into the Iran of the 1840s, looking at the country's economy, society, economy and culture.

In 1848, Nasir al Din Qajar became the Shah of Iran. In this episode we explore the country he had inherited.