Tobacco Protest

Tobacco Protest Fatwa issued by Mirza Mohammed Hassan Husseini Shirazi - 1890

Tobacco Protest

The Tobacco Protest was a significant event in the history of Iran during the late 19th century. It was a popular uprising against the granting of a tobacco concession to a foreign company, which was perceived as an infringement on national sovereignty and economic independence.

Background

In 1890, the Qajar dynasty ruler, Naser al-Din Shah Qajar, granted a concession to the Imperial Tobacco Corporation of Great Britain. This concession gave the British company the exclusive rights to produce, sell, and export tobacco in Iran. The decision was met with widespread discontent among various segments of Iranian society, including merchants, clerics, and the general populace.

Causes

The primary causes of the Tobacco Protest were:

• **Economic Impact**: The concession threatened the livelihood of Iranian tobacco farmers and merchants, who would lose their business to the foreign monopoly.
• **Nationalism**: The concession was seen as a violation of Iran's sovereignty and an example of foreign exploitation.
• **Religious Opposition**: Influential Shia clerics opposed the concession, viewing it as an encroachment on Islamic principles and Iranian autonomy.

The Protest

The protest began in December 1891, when Mirza Hasan Shirazi, a prominent Shia cleric, issued a fatwa declaring the use of tobacco as unlawful (haram). This fatwa galvanized public opinion and led to widespread boycotts of tobacco products. The protest quickly spread across the country, with merchants closing their shops and people refusing to buy or use tobacco.

Government Response

The Iranian government initially attempted to suppress the protest through arrests and intimidation. However, the widespread nature of the protest and the involvement of influential clerics made it difficult to quell. The government eventually realized that the concession was untenable and, in January 1892, Naser al-Din Shah Qajar canceled the concession.

Aftermath

The cancellation of the tobacco concession was a significant victory for the Iranian people and marked a turning point in the country's history. It demonstrated the power of popular resistance and the influence of the clergy in Iranian society. The Tobacco Protest is often seen as a precursor to the Constitutional Revolution of 1905-1911, which sought to limit the power of the monarchy and establish a constitutional government.

Legacy

The Tobacco Protest remains an important event in Iranian history and is remembered as a symbol of national resistance against foreign domination. It also highlighted the role of the clergy in mobilizing public opinion and shaping political events in Iran.

See Also

• Qajar dynasty
• Naser al-Din Shah Qajar
• Constitutional Revolution
• Shia Islam
• Fatwa

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