The SAVAK

Secret Police

In 1921, Reza Khan rose to power with the help of the British government. He led a modernization of Persia, insisting the international community refer to his country as Iran. His son, Mohammad Reza Shah, inherited the throne in 1941.

The Shah expanded his authority using a violent secret police force called SAVAK. They terrorized the Iranian people and preyed on Iranians abroad. They helped enforced the Shah's rule, even as his White Revolution displaced rural communities and alienated Shia clergy. Decades-long economic exploitation and authoritarian repression ignited a series of phases leading to the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

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Sources:

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Geography Now! Iran. Geography Now. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xQM4Zy5zIk&ab_channel=GeographyNow

Top pistachio producing countries

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Muslim Populations

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Note: The Recap section was written with the assistance of ChatGPT-4.

Music:

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Cinematic Ambient Orchestral Drama Trailer by MEDIA MUSIC GROUP

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Eye Of The Storm (Feat. Cicely Parnas) - Instrumental Version

Gnosienne by Eric Satie performed by Neil Cross and Raighes Factory