Siege of Tabriz (1908–1909)

The Tabriz Uprising or Siege of the Constitutionalists in Tabriz — refers to the battles that took place in the city of Tabriz and the province of Azerbaijan between the constitutionalist forces and Mohammad Ali Shah Qajar. This conflict began following the period known as the "Minor Tyranny" and the bombardment of the Iranian National Assembly, and ultimately contributed, albeit indirectly, to the capture of Tehran and the dethronement of Mohammad Ali Shah.

After the Majles was shelled on 23 June 1908, constitutionalist forces in Tehran and several other cities were defeated, fled, or imprisoned. However, the constitutionalists in Tabriz resisted the Shah’s supporters and successfully forced them to retreat. Their resistance reignited hope and enthusiasm among constitutionalist factions in other parts of the country.

In Tabriz, the constitutionalists were organized through bodies such as the National Association of Azerbaijan and the Secret Center, and they maintained ties with social-democratic circles in the Caucasus. As a result, they were aware of the necessity of arming themselves and undergoing military training. By the time the conflict began, the Tabriz constitutionalists had already made preparations. In the early days, the royalist forces achieved several successes and managed to occupy large parts of the city. However, the resistance mounted by the mujahideen in the Amirkhiz district of Tabriz under the leadership of Sattar Khan led to the defeat of the forces commanded by Rahim Khan Chalabianlu.

In response, opponents of the constitutional movement formed an organization in Tabriz called the Islamic Council, whose primary objective was to portray the constitutionalists as enemies of religion in the eyes of the public. Despite this, by August–September 1908, the constitutionalist forces managed to regain full control of Tabriz.

In an effort to suppress the movement, Mohammad Ali Shah Qajar dispatched new forces under the command of Abdol Majid Mirza Qavanlu-Qajar, who placed the city under siege. Abdol Majid Mirza blocked the entry of food and essential supplies into Tabriz, causing severe famine and hardship among both civilians and the constitutionalist fighters. Russia, citing the protection of its nationals, entered Iranian territory and—with the consent of the constitutionalists—entered the city. Although the Russians initially maintained friendly relations with the constitutionalists, they soon began to pressure and persecute them, making it clear that they had no intention of withdrawing from Tabriz.

As a result, some of the constitutionalist forces in the city were scattered, while others fled or joined fellow constitutionalists in the campaign to capture Tehran.

These events have been reflected in various artistic and cultural works. In 1972, Iranian filmmaker Ali Hatami directed a film titled Sattar Khan based on these developments. Today, the busts of key military and political figures involved in the Tabriz events are displayed in the Tabriz Constitution House Museum.