Persian Socialist Soviet Republic
A short-lived Soviet republic in north-west Persia, 1920–1921.
The Persian Socialist Soviet Republic—also called the Socialist Soviet Republic of Gilan or simply the Gilan Republic—was a short-lived, unrecognized state in northwestern Persia, along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea. It existed from June 1920 to September 1921. Mirza Kuchik Khan, a leader of the Constitutionalist Movement of Gilan, founded it with his Jangali partisans and help from Soviet Russia’s Red Army.
The Jungle movement, which began in 1914, gained strength after the Bolsheviks took power in Russia. In May 1920, the Soviet Caspian Fleet, commanded by Fyodor Raskolnikov and accompanied by Sergo Ordzhonikidze, entered the Caspian port of Anzali. The stated purpose was to recover Russian ships and ammunition that White Russian General Denikin had taken to Anzali, where British forces had given him refuge. The British garrison evacuated Anzali without resistance, retreating to Manjil. Mirza Kuchak Khan, caught between his movement and the combined forces of Britain and the central government, weighed his options. A year earlier, he had traveled on foot to Lankaran to seek Bolshevik support, but by the time he arrived, the Red forces had already withdrawn. Many Jangalis believed the Bolsheviks could solve problems common to Russia and Iran, such as domination by the upper classes and the imperial court. Mirza’s second-in-command, Ehsanollah Khan Dustdar, had become a communist and strongly pushed for an alliance. Though hesitant due to his religious and Persian nationalist views, Mirza agreed. The Jangalis made a deal with the Bolsheviks, conditional on the republic being led by Mirza and the Soviets not interfering in its internal affairs. The Soviets provided ammunition and soldiers, refusing payment when Mirza offered it.
The republic was declared in May 1920. It did not redistribute land to poor peasants, angering the more radical Jangalis. Soon, disagreements arose between Mirza and his advisors on one side, and the Soviets and the Communist Party of Persia (which grew out of the Baku-based Edalat, or Justice, Party) on the other. On June 9, 1920, Mirza left Rasht in protest and to avoid a military clash—something he had always tried to do, even when fighting central government forces. This allowed the Communist (Edalat) Party to stage a coup.
Quick Facts
- Conventional Long Name
- Persian Socialist Soviet Republic
- Common Name
- Soviet Republic of Persia
- Common Languages
- Gilaki; Talyshi
- Flag Type
- Flag
- Symbol Type
- Emblem
- National Anthem
- fa · انترناسیونال · The Internationale
- Capital
- Rasht
- Government Type
- Soviet republic
- Title Leader
- Chairman of Council of People's Commissars of Persian Soviet Republic
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The Jungle movement that had started in 1914 gained momentum after the victory of the Bolsheviks in Russia. In May 1920 the Soviet Caspian Fleet entered the Caspian port of Anzali, and the British garrison evacuated without resistance. Mirza Kuchak Khan, hesitant due to his religious and Persian nationalist background, eventually agreed to cooperate with the Bolsheviks on conditions including the announcement of the republic under his leadership and no direct Soviet intervention in internal affairs. The Soviets agreed to support him with ammunition and soldiers, refusing payment.
The republic was declared in May 1920 but did not redistribute land to poor peasants, causing disagreements between Mirza and his advisors on one side and the Soviets and the Communist Party of Persia on the other. On June 9, 1920, Mirza left Rasht to avoid military confrontation, opening the way for a communist coup. The new administration, under Ehsanollah Khan but influenced by Soviet Commissar Batyrbek Abukov, began radical activities such as anti-religious propaganda and forcing money from landlords, losing support from the middle class and general population.
Reader's Guide
The Persian Socialist Soviet Republic represents a key episode in the intersection of the Russian Civil War and Persian revolutionary movements. Its significance lies in its brief attempt to establish a Soviet-aligned state in Persia, supported by the Red Army, and its ultimate failure due to internal factional disputes, loss of popular support, and shifting Soviet foreign policy. Historians have debated the causes of its demise: some point to extremist actions by the Communist Party that provoked religious sentiment, others to Mirza Kuchak Khan's conservative views, and still others to the Soviet decision to prioritize state security over global revolution, as seen in the Anglo-Soviet Trade Agreement and the Russo-Persian Treaty of Friendship (1921). The republic's collapse allowed Reza Khan Mirpanj to reassert central government control over Gilan and Mazandaran. Mirza fled into the Alborz Mountains and died of frostbite; his body was decapitated and his head displayed in Rasht.
Did You Know?
- The republic lasted from June 1920 until September 1921.
- Mirza Kuchak Khan traveled on foot to Lankaran to seek Bolshevik support a year before the republic was established.
- The republic's first cabinet included Seyyed Jafar Pishevari as Foreign commissioner.
- Mirza Kuchak Khan died of frostbite in the Alborz Mountains; his head was displayed in Rasht.
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