Tobacco Protest in Iran

Etymology and Translation

• Etymology: Derived from the root “Tobacco” indicating the product involved and “Protest” signifying the public demonstration.
• Arabic: احتجاج التبغ (Iḥtijāj al-Tabgh)
• Turkish: Tütün Protestosu

Overview

The Tobacco Protest in Iran, also known as the Tobacco Revolt of 1891-1892, was a significant national movement involving diverse social strata, protesting the Qajar king’s concession to a British company for the sale and export of tobacco. This event marked a pivotal moment in Iran’s modern history, highlighting the intersection of economic discontent, colonial independence, and religious authority.

Historical Context

In the late 19th century, Iran, under the Qajar dynasty, faced economic hardship and political instability. To rescue the faltering state finances, Nasir al-Din Shah granted multiple concessions to foreign powers, including the 1890 grant to Major G.F. Talbot for a monopoly on the Persian tobacco trade. This move threatened local economies and inflamed nationalist sentiments.

Main Participants

• Religious Scholars (Ulama): The ulama, led by Ayatollah Hasan al-Shirazi, who issued a fatwa against tobacco usage, played a pivotal role in legitimizing and mobilizing the protest.
• Merchants: Iranian merchants, whose businesses were adversely affected by the monopoly, were integral in organizing bazaars’ shutdowns and strikes.
• Liberal Intellectuals and Islamic Modernists: These groups collaborated to articulate the protest’s grievances and broadened its scope to encompass national interests beyond the economic domain.

Methods of Protest

• Fatwa Against Tobacco: Ayatollah Hasan al-Shirazi’s religious edict directly contested the monopoly by forbidding the consumption of tobacco, rendering the trade unsustainable.
• Bazaars’ Closure: Merchants closed their shops as a symbol of economic disobedience.
• Strikes and Demonstrations: Workers, traders, and other civilians engaged in organized strikes and public protests to demand the concession’s annulment.
• Sanctuary and Organization: Mosques offered sanctuary to the protesters and served as central hubs for coordinating resistance and political activity.

Impact and Consequences

• Economic Concession Reversal: The widespread and well-coordinated protests forced the shah to cancel the tobacco concession in January 1892.
• Prelude to Constitutional Movements: This protest set a precedent for future collaborations between the merchant class and religious leaders, ultimately contributing to the Constitutional Revolution of 1906.

Suggested Books for Further Studies

1. The Tobacco Regie: Iranian Opposition to Imperialism by Nikki R. Keddie
2. Tobacco and Shrouds: Cultural and Political Context of the Tobacco Concession of 1890 Against British Imperialism by Clements Reuven Markham
3. Iran between Two Revolutions by Ervand Abrahamian

Takeaways

• The Tobacco Protest demonstrated the critical role of the ulama in Iranian political mobilization.
• It highlighted the intersection of economics, secular, and religious authority in resisting colonial and foreign influence.
• The success of the protest initiated future nationalism and constitutionalism movements in Iran.

Conclusion

The Tobacco Protest was not just about a commodity; it was a significant political and religious event that galvanized a diverse coalition against foreign exploitation. This protest has enduring historical importance in understanding Iran’s path to modern nationalism and resistance to imperialist agendas.