The Jangal (Jungle) Movement and 1921 Coup

Seyyed Mostafa Taqavi

The Jangal (Jungle) movement is one of the main events occurred during the period from the Constitutional movement up to Reza Khan's 1921 coup. Through agrandisment of the danger of Bolshevism and the Jangal movement, the British made a psychological war to prepare the ground for the coup. However, the coup was carried on. But the question remains whether the Jangalis and its Bolshevist branch could occupy Tehranor not. To answer the question two points should be taken into consideration, one is the Soviet policy towards Iranand the second the potentiality of Jangal movement. It is clear that, during the period under consideration, the Russians had no intention to interfere in Iranian affairs. Regarding the potentialities of Jangal movement, the three phases of its development, that is, the outburst of the movement, the establishment of the republic government, and its fall should be considered first. In the first phase, the movement was so much powerful in Guilan and Mazandaran, so that Dunsterville, the British commander, had to conclude a contract with Mirza Kuchak Khan to get a permission to send his forces to the North. The second phase began with the establishment of republic government and the defeat of Bolshevists in 1920. Two months later, the Bolshevist coup against Mirza Kuchak Khan was carried out, and the republic fell. In this phase through the absolute dominance of Bolshevists and elimination of Mirza, the movement lost its legitimacy in the eye of people. Ehsan Ullah Khan and Khalou Qorban's program included the formation of Iranred army after the Soviet Red Army, 2- Invasion of Tehran and the cancellation of landlord's authorities, safeguarding the interests of labourers. While Mirza Kuchak had taken refuge in the jungle, the Bolshevists were unrivalled in Rasht. So the town wished for the arrival of the central government forces. With the arrival of government forces, the Bolshevists fled away. M. Yeqekian wrote in Iran newspaper: "Early in the morning, I went out and I saw Bloomkin and Dr. Belinki, their car crammed with goods, were leavingRasht for Anzali; they were in such a hurry that did not answer my greetings.

The same situation continued until 1920, and 1921. Now, with such an analysis in mind, can it be assumed that the Jangal movement could be able to threaten Tehran in early 1921?
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