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The Elahé Omidyar Mir-Djalali Institute of Iranian Studiesin collaboration with
the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America,
the Ontario Zoroastrian Community Foundation,
the Zoroastrian Society of Ontario,
and the Encyclopaedia Iranica Foundation
jointly present
Zoroastrians during the Iranian Constitutional Revolution, 1906-11
Dr. Alexandra Buhler, King’s College London
Friday, 4 April 2025, 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time (Canada & US)
Zoom Registration Link:https://utoronto.zoom.us/meeting/register/uuJb2cRVSsy1J-SpB1sO8A
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Abstract:
Drawing on research from her recent book, Zoroastrianism in India and Iran: Persians, Parsis and the Flowering of Political Identity, Alexandra Buhler’s talk will focus on the position of Zoroastrians during the Iranian Constitutional Revolution (1906-11). The revolution resulted in the creation of a National Assembly, the Majles, and the establishment of constitutional rule in Iran. Notably, Zoroastrians were the first non-Muslim community to have a representative in the Majles, the merchant Arbab Jamshid.
Members of the Parsi community viewed the events unfolding in Iran with anticipation, particularly as some believed that in the future Iran might offer them greater opportunities than India. References were also made by constitutionalists in Iran to the potential ‘return’ of members of the Parsi community to their ancient homeland. The possibility that wealthy Parsis might move to Iran was cited as one reason why Zoroastrians in Iran ought to be granted greater rights. Additionally, positive relations between the Parsis and the British in India had a substantial effect on the extent to which British diplomats in Iran were willing to intervene to assist the Zoroastrian community during the revolution.
This presentation will explore the importance of the Constitutional Revolution for Zoroastrians through the lens of the tripartite relations between Zoroastrians in Iran, the Parsis and the British.
Bio:
After studying Theology at Oxford University, Alexandra Buhler completed her MA and PhD at SOAS, where she also taught courses about Zoroastrianism and Iranian history. Her PhD focused on the involvement of Zoroastrians in the Iranian Constitutional Revolution, and the impact that the revolution had on members of the community. Alexandra is the author of Zoroastrianism in India and Iran: Persians, Parsis and the Flowering of Political Identity. (IB Tauris, 2024). She currently works in Libraries and Collections at King’s College London.