Ahmad Kasravi
Ahmad Kasravi (d. 1946) was a distinguished Iranian historian, political thinker, and founder of the Azadigan (Freedom) Society. With a profound critique of the societal divisions within Iran, Kasravi posited that the country’s backwardness stemmed more from internal sectarian divisions than from foreign interference or despotic rule.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: أحمد كسروي
- Turkish: Ahmed Kesrevi
Early Life and Background
Kasravi was born in 1890 in Tabriz, Iran. Coming from a religious family, he initially studied to be a cleric but later distanced himself from religious establishment and became outspoken against many aspects of religious orthodoxy.
Critique of Sectarianism
Kasravi identified a range of societal issues as the root cause of Iran’s stagnant development:
- Tribalism
- Regionalism
- Linguistic Communalism
- Religious Sectarianism
- Socioeconomic Classes
He vehemently opposed these factions, which he viewed as major obstacles to achieving national unity and progress.
Denunciation of Shiism
One of Kasravi’s most controversial positions was his denunciation of Shiism. He argued that:
- Shiism served as a dynastic power struggle tool for the Safavid dynasty.
- It was a falsification of history, particularly through its claims concerning the status of the twelfth imam.
- It opposed the state’s authority along with democracy and popular sovereignty.
- It urged followers to unconditionally obey the clerical leadership (Marja’).
Reactions and Assassination
Kasravi’s views triggered animosity among the religious establishment (ulama), who subsequently declared him an apostate. This fierce opposition culminated in Kasravi’s assassination in 1946 by a member of the fundamentalist group Fidaiyan-i Islam.
Further Studies
To gain a deeper understanding of Ahmad Kasravi, consult the following works:
- “Ahmad Kasravi: A Study in Iranian Intellectualism” by Arash Reisinezhad
- “Iran in the 20th Century: Historiography and Political Culture” edited by Touraj Atabaki
- “Kasravi Dar Jostojuy-e Bāstān” by Ahmad Kasravi (Persian)
Takeaways and Conclusion
Ahmad Kasravi remains a contentious figure in Iranian history. His critiques of sectarianism, and especially of Shiism, posed serious challenges to traditional socio-religious structures in Iran. Despite his assassination, his thoughts nonetheless laid the groundwork for future reforms and greater introspection within various segments of Iranian society.
In sum, Kasravi’s legacy is emblematic of the tensions intrinsic to the intersections of religion, politics, and national identity in Iran.
