NUR
2009-07-19 01:54:03 UTC
A slogan not heard in Iran by popular acclaim since 1909,
http://www.iranchamber.com/history/constitutional_revolution/constitutional_revolution.php
On June 22, 1909, Bakhtiari Chieftains, led by Samsam-ul-Saltaneh and
Haj Aligholi Khan Bakhtiari (Sardar As’ad) reached the city of Qum,
which they took over on July 8th,1909. The intimidations and
interventions made by Russian and British embassies failed to stop the
advance of freedom fighters. Inevitably, a number of Russian troops
were dispatched to Gilan via Badkobeh, reaching Qazvin on July 12th,
1909. Russians warned Gilan Fighters to stop moving in against
Tehran.
A nationalist council at Rasht
Ignoring the warning, Gilan freedom fighters advanced towards Tehran,
and met up with Bakhtiari forces near Karaj (60km west of Tehran).
Using the element of surprise, these forces moved through the lines of
the government forces. Thus the 3000 strong, well-equipped forces led
by Mohammad Valikhan Tonekaboni and Sardar As’ad, entered the capital
amid welcoming cheers of freedom loving sympathizers. Following bloody
fights in the streets and the Bazaar District, once again the national
forces triumphed and the Cossack brigade, having retreated to the
parade grounds, was surrounded and forced into surrender.
On July 16, 1909, the capital was under complete control of freedom
fighters. At 8:30, on the morning of July 17, 1909, Mohammad shah and
a number of his supporters, under armed escort of Russian soldiers,
took asylum with Russian Embassy in Zargandeh.
On this very day, the National Consultative Assembly (Majlis) held an
emergency session and deposed Mohammad Ali Shah as a monarch, and
named his 13 year old son, Ahmad Mirza as his successor. Azadulmolk
was named as the Vice-Regent.
On September 10th, 1909, Mohammad Ali Shah left the Russian Embassy
and went into exile in Russia.