Iranian revolutionary who led the Jungle movement of Gilan and proclaimed the Soviet Republic of Gilan in 1920
Born in Rasht in 1880, the son of a Gilani merchant, he joined the Iranian Constitutional Revolution and in 1909 was a junior commander of the constitutionalist force that took Tehran. In 1914–1915 he launched the Jungle movement in the forests of Gilan, demanding provincial autonomy, an end to central government corruption and foreign interference, and land reform. When a Soviet flotilla entered Enzeli in 1920 he agreed to cooperate on condition of non-interference, proclaimed the Soviet Republic of Gilan on 5 June and became its head, but split with the communists over his refusal to redistribute land. He returned as head of government in May 1921, but after the Soviets withdrew their support he was defeated by Reza Khan’s government troops and died of frostbite while fleeing into the Talesh mountains. His severed head was displayed in Rasht.
Also known as: Mirza Kuchak Khan · Mirza Kuchek Khan · Mirza Koochek Khan
Activities and affiliations
- 1914–1921 Political and party leadership
- 1920–1921 Government and administration
Career Timeline
- 1909Junior commander in the constitutionalist capture of Tehran
- 1914–1921Leader of the Jungle movement of Gilan
- 1920Head of the provisional government of the Soviet Republic of Gilan
- 1921Again head of the provisional government of the Gilan republic