Reza Shah and the Lurs: the Impact of the Modern State On Luristan

Abstract

This paper deals with the consequences of the modern state on the Lurs of Luristan during the rule of Reza Shah (1925-1941), the founder of the Pahlavi dynasty (1925-1979). The Lurs (in New Persian pronunciation 'Lor'), including those of Luristan, Bakhtiyari, Kuh Giluyeh, Mamasani and many other smaller sections, are one of the several Iranian groups collectively comprising the majority of the population of modem Iran. The Lurs speak Luri, a southwestern Iranian dialect, which is the closest to modem Persian, the national language of contemporary Iran. The Lurs in general have been dealt with elsewhere;' hence we are presently concerned with the Lurs of Luristan, who for many years fought Reza Shah's forces. The Lurs formed their local dynasty of Atabakan-e Luristan (1 184-1597 AD), during the Seljuk era; this was subsequently replaced by another Luri dynasty known as the Vali dynasty (1597-1928 AD). Reza Shah terminated the latter in 1928, and hence the Luri dynasties ended after 744 years. The establishment of the modern state by Reza Shah demanded changes in traditional relationships between the state and the Lurs, a circumstance that led to bloody confrontation and the subsequent subjugation of the latter. This paper examines, first, the roots of the confrontation between the state and the Lurs, second, the policy of Reza Shah towards the Lurs, particularly the military campaigns against them, and third, the overall consequences of the state policies in Luristan.