Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 349 Religion
With basic construction completed, Ctesiphon, as a sub-city of Baghdad, has assumed some of the capital's functions. It is also an important Zoroastrian community, where some converted Kurds have settled. The Shah has also approved the construction of a Zoroastrian temple in Ctesiphon, which has been protected as part of Iranian traditional culture.

The 19th century was not only the era of the Industrial Revolution, but also an era of religious revival. Various religions began their internal reforms, Zoroastrianism and Shia Islam were no exception. Most importantly, their personnel changes were decided by the government.

In recent years, Shia clerics have consistently adhered to the bottom line set by the Shah, knowing perfectly well what they should and should not do. Many prominent Ayatollahs withdrew from religious or biological circles during the civil war, replaced by those who obey the government. Furthermore, the government's power has exerted comprehensive suppression over religion in recent years, meaning any unrest will be quickly suppressed by the government army.

Within the Shia community, voices advocating for the separation of church and state gained the upper hand. With economic development, a group of intellectuals and members of the propertied class advocated for reforms modeled after the West, with religious reform being the most crucial element. A self-reform movement within the Shia community, driven by the government, began.

An important aspect of this movement is reflecting on why they have historically been suppressed by Sunnis. One reason is the smaller number of believers; another is that they have been too closed off. They must adopt an open mind to embrace believers and non-believers.

Following the signing of the Baghdad Treaty, 125 Shia clerics gathered in Tehran for a government-led religious conference. Iran's victory over the Ottomans also symbolized a Shia victory over the Sunnis, and therefore they largely agreed to the government's proposals. The two most important points were: first, the Shia should emulate Christianity by spreading their faith to every corner of the world; and second, they should attempt peaceful coexistence with other religions (excluding the Sunnis).

With government support, Shia Muslims established schools and sent missionaries in the Americas and Southeast Asia. Their target was clearly the lower and middle classes and the business community in need of change; they were the easiest to convert to. The results were quite significant; converting to Shia Islam was understandable for those unwilling to convert to Christianity. According to data from Shia churches in the Americas, there were 3.2 registered Shia Muslims in 1862, mostly Irish and Spanish immigrants.

Nasser al-Din also incorporated Shiite doctrines into his education, which emphasize loyalty to the leader and martyrdom. This translates into unwavering loyalty to the Shah and the government. Combined with the war victories against the Ottomans, updated media propaganda, and the Shah's populist actions, this constituted support for the Iranian government.

The current Shia leader, Fakih, is the same Báb who discussed doctrine with Nasser al-Din. He is a staunch supporter of the Shah and a powerful advocate for the reform movement. With his support, older Shia clerics were forced to retire, replaced by clergy who favored openness and reform. With a clear framework in place, Shia reform proceeded at a relatively rapid pace.

As an important source of Iranian culture, Zoroastrianism also experienced a revival with the Shah's support. The position of Zoroastrian priest was re-established to manage Zoroastrian followers both domestically and overseas.

The number of Zoroastrians has also increased significantly in recent years, including a large influx of Kurds converting and widespread dissemination in Cinnestan and Lanfang, with the number of followers increasing from 3 to 15. Furthermore, the presence of new temples in Yazd and Ctesiphon demonstrates the government's emphasis on them.

Compared to the emphasis placed on Shia and Zoroastrianism, the status of Christian sects is rather delicate. The Armenian Church is relatively well-off, retaining a degree of internal freedom. Pilgrimages to Mount Ararat are also possible. The Orthodox Church, however, suffers the most. Most of its members are concentrated in Georgia, and although the Shah has promised them freedom from persecution, the hostility from the Shia populace is unbearable.

Ultimately, the concern stemmed from fears of collusion between them and Russia. To allay these concerns, Georgians began voluntarily learning Persian, and the church declared a complete break with Russia, expelling all pro-Russian clergy from the church, deeming them unsuitable for life in Iran.

If this is the case for the Eastern Orthodox Church, then the situation is even more dire for Protestant and Catholic believers. Moreover, their numbers are small, and they don't have the same enormous influence as those in England and France. For them, simply surviving is their greatest fortune.

“The construction of Baghdad needs to be expedited. The Ottomans have wasted too much time here, and we must restore it to its proper function as soon as possible.” The Shah’s request naturally had to be obeyed. After the meeting adjourned, Nasser al-Din discussed matters with Amir alone.

"We can hurry up with the Sumatra matter, and also Vietnam. The Far East is busy quelling internal strife and certainly won't have much time to spare. Take advantage of this time to force the Vietnamese king to surrender."

"Everything is proceeding normally, but Shah, we might have to worry about Britain if we take action against Vietnam..."

"Don't worry about that. Britain is definitely busy with American affairs. Right now, Qinistan has to take over Vietnam, otherwise transportation will be impossible."

In recent years, the development of Qinnestan has hit a bottleneck. Although it has the Mekong Delta as an agricultural base and Saigon as an excellent port, the construction of railways in the inland Lao region is too difficult, and shipping is also blocked from Laos due to the Khon Falls. Currently, only a few logging camps have been established in the area.

The remaining areas of Vietnam not only have a coastal location, but also excellent agricultural conditions, allowing for large-scale crop cultivation. The local population is also very large, and after various assessments, it is considered a colony with enormous potential.

Moreover, even if Iran doesn't occupy it, other countries will gain the upper hand. Britain and France already intend to occupy Vietnam, especially France; Vietnam has already contacted a French envoy to discuss cooperation. This is something Iran cannot tolerate.

"I have only one request, and that is speed. A swift victory, to completely crush their will, so that their king will beg for our protection."

Since a war is inevitable, it must be swift. We need to have Iran send representatives to discuss matters in the Far East, and we must act while Britain and France are not focused on Southeast Asia. Vietnam has been preparing for war for the past few years, seemingly ready to reclaim lost territory; let's shatter their dreams ahead of time.

"Don't worry, Shah. Although the Vietnamese army has artillery, they are still tactically backward. We will break through their defenses as quickly as possible and then head north to attack Hue. Even if they escape to Hanoi, the locals will teach them a lesson."

Seeing what the Grand Vizier said, Naserdin could only hope things would go smoothly. He had spent a lot of money on this, and the matter had to succeed.

(End of this chapter)