Communism and Communalism in Iran: The Tudah and the Firqah-I Dimukrat

Ervand Abrahamian

doi:10.1017/S0020743800000702

Communism and Communalism in Iran: The Tudah and the Firqah-I Dimukrat

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 29 January 2009

Ervand Abrahamian

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Iran has experienced the rare phenomenon of having two pro-Soviet Communist parties simultaneously: the Hizb-i Tudah-i Iran (Party of the Iranian Masses), known as the Tudah; and the Firqah-i Dimukrat-i Azarbayjan (Democratic Party of Azarbayjan), or simply, the Firqah-i Dimukrat.

Type: Articles
Information: International Journal of Middle East Studies , Volume 1 , Issue 4 , October 1970 , pp. 291 - 316

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0020743800000702 [Opens in a new window]
Copyright: Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1970

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References

^{page 291 note 1} H., Farvardin, ‘Long Live the Unity of the Iranian Working Class’, Mardum, vol. 6 (06– 07 1965), p.1.Google Scholar

^{page 291 note 2} Nollau, G. and Wiehe, H., Russia's Southern Flank (New York, Praeger, 1963), p. 28.Google Scholar

^{page 291 note 3} Wilber, D., Contemporary Iran (New York, Praeger, 1963), pp. 139–40.Google Scholar

^{page 292 note 1} Lenczowski, G., Russia and the West in Iran, 1918–49 (New York, Cornell University Press, 1949), pp. 223–5 and 287.Google Scholar

^{page 292 note 2} E., Groseclose, Introduction to Iran (New York, Oxford University Press, 1947), p. 233.Google Scholar

^{page 292 note 3} In this article the word ‘class’ is applied to describe the horizontal layers in society formed of individuals tied together by common relations to the modes of production and administration. The term ‘communal’ is used to characterize the verticle columns in society created by linguistic, religious, regional, racial, and tribal bonds. For a detailed discussion of this theme see Hurewitz, J. C., Middle East Politics: The Military Dimension (New York, Praeger, 1969).Google Scholar

^{page 292 note 4} Browne, E. G., A Year Amongst the Persians (London, Adam and Charles Black, 1959), pp. 109–10: ‘The whole history of Persia, from the legendary wars between the Kiyanian kings and Afrasiyab down to the present day, is the story of a struggle between the Turkish races…. and the Persians. The distinction is well marked even now and the old antipathy still exists.’Google Scholar

^{page 293 note 1} Editorial, ‘A Problem Worthy of Interest for the Ministry of Education in Azarbayjan’, Habi al-Matin, 12 11. 1906.Google Scholar

^{page 294 note 1} Majiri, J., ‘The Khurasan Revolt and its Lessons’, Dunya, vol. 2 (Winter, 1966), pp. 101–18.Google Scholar

^{page 294 note 2} For texts of Kh and pamphlets see ‘Azari, 'A., Qiyam-i. Shayikh Muhammad Khiabani (Shayikh Muhammad Khiabani's Revolt) (Tehran, Bungah-i Safi ‘Ali Shah, 1950).Google Scholar

^{page 295 note 1} Malik, al-Shu'ara Bahar, Tarikh-i Mukhtasar-yi Ahzab-i Siyas-yi Iran (A Short History of Political Parties in Iran) (Tehran, Chap-i Rangin, 1943), p. ix.Google Scholar

^{page 295 note 2} Editorial, ‘National Unity is Our First Aim’, Ayandah, vol. I (1925), pp. 5–6.Google Scholar

^{page 295 note 3} Afshar, M., ‘The National Unity of Iran and the Problem of Nationality’, Ayandah, vol. 2 (1926), pp.559–69.Google Scholar

^{page 297 note 1} Moose, J. Jr, ‘Memorandum on Azerbaijan’ (unpublished despatch in the files of the State Department, sent on 10 11 1941), pp. 1–22.Google Scholar

^{page 297 note 2} In 1943 a State Department memorandum, commenting on the popularity of the Russians, stated: ‘One of our reports had even gone so far as to say that a Soviet could be set up in Azerbayjan overnight, if the Russians gave the word.’ U.S., Department of State, Foreign Relations of the United States (Washington, D.C.; GPO, 1964), 1943, vol. IV, p. 329.Google Scholar

^{page 297 note 3} Anonymous, ‘Dr Taqi Arani’, Mardum, 30 01 1960.Google Scholar

^{page 298 note 1} Biographical information concerning ‘the fifty-three’ has been obtained mostly from the proceedings of the trials published in Ittila'at, 2–1711. 1938.Google Scholar

^{page 298 note 2} Tudah Party, ‘Text of Dr Arani's Defense at the Trial’, Dunya, vol. II (Spring and Summer, 1963), pp. 108–20.Google Scholar

^{page 299 note 1} The fifteen elected to the provincial central committee were; Dr M. Bahrami, Dr M. Yazdi, Dr R. Radmanish, I. Iskandari, N. Alamutti, A. Nushin, ‘A. Kubari, N. 'Azazi, I. Muhazari, R. Rusta, Dr F. Kishavarz, A. Avanissian, S. Iskandari, 'A. AmirKhizi, and Z. Alarnutti. Bibliographical information concerning the leadership of the Tudah has been obtained from the trials of 'the fifty-three’, newspaper articles, journals, and interviews.

^{page 300 note 1} The members of the central committee were: N. Alamutti, Dr M. Bahrami, P.Gunabadi, A. Avanissian, E. Tabari, I. Iskandari, A. Amir-Khizi, Dr R. Radmanish, M. Buqrati, ‘A. Kambakhsh, and Dr F. Kishavarz. Investigation committee: Dr M. Yazdi, Dr H. Jawdat, 'A. Nushin, Khalil Maliki, A. 'Alavi, R. Rusta, A. Qassimi, Dr N. Kianuri, and Z. Alamutti. Organization committee: 'A. Kambakhsh, T. Fidakar, T. Makinizhad, 'A. Kubari, N. 'Azazi, Z. Alamutti, and M. Farjami. Propaganda committee: P. Gunabadi, A.Khamah, Dr Gh. Furutan, Dr S. 'Aqili, S. Muhammadzadah, H. Khir-Khah, and H. Jahani. Finance committee: Dr M. Yazdi, 'A. Amir-Khizi, and R. Rusta.

^{page 301 note 1} 'A., Kamabakhsh, ‘The Formation of the Tudah Party of Iran’, Dunya, vol. 2 (Autumn 1966), pp. 24–36.Google Scholar

^{page 301 note 2} Tudah Party, ‘Party Program’, Rahbar, 12 02. 1943.Google Scholar

^{page 301 note 3} Tudah Party, ‘Declaration of the Parliamentary Delegation’, Rahbar, 27 02 1944.Google Scholar

^{page 301 note 4} Rahbar, 27 05 1944.Google Scholar

^{page 301 note 5} M., Djamalzadeh, ‘The Social and Economic Structure of Iran’, International Labour Review, vol. 63 (02, 1951) p. 181).Google Scholar

^{page 302 note 1} Union of Silk Weavers in Mazandaran, ‘A Declaration’, Rahbar, 27 06 1943.Google Scholar

^{page 302 note 2} Union of Tobacco Workers in Tehran, ‘A Declaration’, Zafar, 11 04. 1946.Google Scholar

^{page 302 note 3} ‘A. Hakmi, ‘Workers’ Organizations and Their Enemies’, Rahbar, 25 05 1944.Google Scholar

^{page 302 note 4} Azarbayjan, 27 11. 1945.Google Scholar

^{page 302 note 5} Rahbar, 15–1707 1946;Google Scholar and Zafar, 15–2207 1946.Google Scholar

^{page 303 note 1} Rahbar, 10 02. 1943.Google Scholar

^{page 303 note 2} The minutes of the congress were published in Rahbar, 2 08–7 09. 1944.Google Scholar

^{page 303 note 3} Tudah Party, ‘Party Program’, Rahbar, 7 09. 1944.Google Scholar

^{page 304 note 1} Hashtrudiyan, R., Mas'alah-yi Millat (The Problem of Nationalities) (Tehran, Shirkat-i Sahami, 1945).Google Scholar

^{page 304 note 2} Qassimi, A., Hizb-i Tudah-i Iran Chah-Mi-Guyad va Chah Mi-Khahad? (What Does the Tudah Party of Iran Say and Want?) (Tehran, Shirkat-i Shami Chap-i Farhang-i Iran, 1944 1945), p. 31.Google Scholar

^{page 305 note 1} The minutes of the second provincial conference in Tehran were published in Rahbar, 19–2208. 1945.Google Scholar

^{page 305 note 2} Society of Iranian Socialists, ‘Text of Khalil Maliki's Defense at His Trial’, vol. II (10. 1966), pp.36–56.Google Scholar

^{page 306 note 1} Anonymous, ‘Storm in Azarbayjan’, Ittila'at-i Mahanah, vol. 4 (11–12. 1951), p.7.Google Scholar

^{page 306 note 2} Radmanish, at the first congress, stated that Pishavari was a former member of the party, Rahbar, 8 08. 1944.Google Scholar

^{page 306 note 3} Anon., ‘The 'Adalat Committee and the Democrat Party’, Azhir, 18 08.-2 11. 1943.Google Scholar

^{page 306 note 4} Azhir, 20 11. 1943.Google Scholar

^{page 307 note 1} Pishavari, J., ‘My Life’, Azhir, 6 12. 1943.Google Scholar

^{page 307 note 2} Pishavari, J., ‘Is There a Genuine Party in Iran?’, Azhir, 13–2206 1944.Google Scholar

^{page 307 note 3} Arsanjani, H., in a speech in the Majlis, gives an account of this episode. Iranian Government, Muzakirat-i Majlis-i Shura-yi Milli (Debates of the Lower House of Parliament), 15th Majlis, 14th Meeting, 16 09. 1947.Google Scholar

^{page 307 note 4} Anon., ‘Concerning the Book TheFifty-Three’, Azhir, 22–2910. 1944.Google Scholar

^{page 308 note 1} Bamshad, ‘Pishavari's Disappointment with the Tudah Party’, Aras, 1 01. 1947.Google Scholar

^{page 308 note 2} Bibliographical information concerning the leaders of the Firqah-i Dimukrat have been obtained from Mujtahidi, M., Rajal-i Azarbayjan (Politicians from Azarbayjan) (Tehran, Chapkhanah-i Jahan, 1948);Google ScholarAnon., ‘Get to Know the Leaders of the Firqah-iDimukrat’, Khvandani-ha, vol. 6 (15 12. 1946), pp. 12–13;Google ScholarAnon., ‘The Leaders of the Firqah-i Dimukrat’, Rahbar, 9 10. 1946;Google ScholarAnon., ‘History of the Firqah-i Dimukrat’, Rahbar, 12–1309. 1946; and miscellaneous newspaper articles.Google Scholar

^{page 308 note 3} Society of Iranian Socialists, op. cit. p. 46;Google Scholar and Military Governor of Tehran, Evolution of Communism in Iran from September 1941 until April 1957 (Tehran, Kayhan Press, 1959), p. 18.Google Scholar

^{page 308 note 4} Letter from FKishavarz, Dr, Aras, 1 01. 1947.Google Scholar

^{page 309 note 1} Anon., ‘Unity is the Basis of Our Certain Victory’, Azarbayjan, 17 09. 1945;Google Scholar and Anon., ‘Workers and Industrialists’, Azarbayjan, 5 09. 1954.Google Scholar

^{page 309 note 2} The text of the declaration for autonomy was published in Azarbayjan, 25 11. 1945.Google Scholar

^{page 310 note 1} The government history of the Iranian communist movement described these men as ‘illiterate’ and ‘uninformed’. Governor of Tehran op. cit. p. 21.Google Scholar

^{page 310 note 2} The other four were: Y. Azima, Minister of Justice; Dr Mahtash, Minister of Agriculture; Dr Urangi, Minister of Health; and M. Kabiri, Minister of Post and Telegraph.

^{page 310 note 3} Letter of the U.S. ambassador in Iran to the Secretary of State, U.S. Department of State, Foreign Relations of the United States (Washington, D.C.: G.P.O., 1969), 1945, vol. VIII, p. 503.Google Scholar

^{page 310 note 4} Editorial, ‘Azarbayjan is the Center of Iranian Patriotism’, Ittila'at, 24 09. 1945.Google Scholar

^{page 310 note 5} Iqbal, A., ‘The Turkish Language in Azarbayjan’, Ittila'at, 20 11. 1945.Google Scholar

^{page 310 note 6} Afshar, M., ‘A Reply’, Darya, 28 10. 1945.Google Scholar

^{page 311 note 1} Anon., Sar Navasht-i Iran Chah Khvahad-Bud? (What is the Future of Iran?) (Tehran, ChapKhanah-i Ardibahasht, 1945), p. 5.Google Scholar

^{page 311 note 2} Editorial, ‘Long Live Azarbayjan’, Darya, 2 10. 1945.Google Scholar

^{page 311 note 3} Azarbayjan, 25 09. 1945.Google Scholar

^{page 311 note 4} Azarbayjan, 5 09. 1946.Google Scholar

^{page 311 note 5} Society of Iranian Socialists, op. cit. p. 46.Google Scholar

^{page 311 note 6} A., Khamah, ‘The Party and the Internal Situation’, Rahbar, 27 11. 1945.Google Scholar

^{page 312 note 1} Amir-Khizi, A., ‘The Role of Azarbayjan in the Creation of an Independent and Democratic Iran’, Rahbar, 29 03. 1946.Google Scholar

^{page 312 note 2} A., Khamah, ‘Toward Solving the Azarbayjan Problem’, Rahbar, 23 04. 1946.Google Scholar

^{page 312 note 3} Radmanish, R., Debates of the Lower House of Parliament, op. cit. 14th Majlis, 174th Meeting, 25 12. 1946.Google Scholar

^{page 312 note 4} Editorial, ‘The Farsi Language is the Best Means of Protecting Our National Unity’, Shahbaz, 20 01. 1946.Google Scholar

^{page 312 note 5} Editorial, ‘The National Language of Azarbayjan is Farsi’, Iran-i Ma, 9 12. 1945.Google Scholar

^{page 313 note 1} Editorial, ‘Tehran Can and Must Retain Azarbayjan’, Iran-i Ma, 20 03. 1946.Google Scholar

^{page 313 note 2} Zafar, 10 05 1946.Google Scholar

^{page 313 note 3} Afsu, K., ‘Linguistic Chauvinism’, Zafar, 14 12. 1945.Google Scholar

^{page 313 note 4} 'Amidi-Nuri, A., Azarbayjan Dimukrat (Democratic Azarbayjan) (Tehran, Intisharat-i Ruznamah-i Dad, 1946), pp. 80–1.Google Scholar

^{page 313 note 5} For signs of their popularity in Azarbayjan see: New York Times, 14 12. 1946;Google ScholarHomayounpour, P., L'Affaire d'Azerbaijan (Lausanne, Lausanne University Press, 1967), pp. 59, 79, 133, and 145. In 11.Google Scholar the U.S. ambassador wrote to the Secretary of State: ‘Our consul and the British consul in Tabriz agree movement would probably collapse if Russian support disappeared but also agree that there is fairly substantial popular sympathy of movement and feel population of Azerbayjan has real grievances against the central government.’ U.S. Department of State, Foreign Relations of the United States (Washington, D.C.: G.P.O., 1969), 1945, vol. viii, p. 465.Google Scholar

^{page 314 note 1} Rahbar, 12 01. 1946.Google Scholar

^{page 314 note 2} Society of Iranian Socialists, op. cit. p. 50.Google Scholar

^{page 315 note 1} For a discussion of the sudden collapse see Zabih, S., The Communist Movement in Iran (Berkeley and Los Angeles, University of California Press, 1966), pp. 117–22.Google Scholar

^{page 316 note 1} Tudah Party, Maramnamah-i Hizb (Party Program) (Europe, Intisharat-i Hizb-i Tudah-i Iran), pp. 5 and 7–8.Google Scholar

^{page 316 note 2} Farvardin, , op. cit. pp. 1–4.Google Scholar

^{page 316 note 3} Radmanish, R., ‘The December 12th Movement’, Dunya, vol. 2 (Winter, 1965), pp. 9–18.Google Scholar

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Communism and Communalism in Iran: The Tudah and the Firqah-I Dimukrat

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