M.A. in History and Philosophy of Education, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/hfr.2026.588330.1603
Abstract
The Jangal Movement, led by Mirza Kochak Khan (1914–1921), is a complex chapter in Iran’s contemporary history, reflecting the tension between religious ideals and political pragmatism. This study analyzes the discursive transformations of the movement during its alliance with the Bolsheviks. Utilizing Ernesto Laclau and Chantal Mouffe’s post-structuralist discourse theory, the research employs a discursive analysis of historical documents, correspondence, and the Jangal newspaper. Findings indicate that during the first phase (1914–1920), the movement maintained a coherent discourse centered on “national independence under Islamic Sharia.” However, the second phase (1920–1921), marked by the establishment of the Red Republic, led to a crisis of meaning. Mirza’s attempt to articulate republicanism with religious teachings reached a deadlock due to the contradiction between radical leftist materialism and Gilan’s Islamic identity, fostering internal antagonisms. This study demonstrates how the inability to resolve the paradox between religious loyalty and the pragmatic requirements of allying with incompatible forces accelerated the discursive decline and military defeat of this religious-nationalist movement.
Ghasemi, Z. (2026). The Paradox of Faith and Politics: A Discourse Analysis of Mirza Kuchek Khan’s Islamism and its Challenges in the Jangal Movement. Foreign Relations History, (), 124–107. https://doi.org/10.22034/hfr.2026.588330.1603
MLA
Ghasemi, Z. "The Paradox of Faith and Politics: A Discourse Analysis of Mirza Kuchek Khan’s Islamism and its Challenges in the Jangal Movement", Foreign Relations History, , 2026, 124–107. doi: 10.22034/hfr.2026.588330.1603
HARVARD
Ghasemi, Z. (2026). 'The Paradox of Faith and Politics: A Discourse Analysis of Mirza Kuchek Khan’s Islamism and its Challenges in the Jangal Movement', Foreign Relations History, (), pp. 124–107. doi: 10.22034/hfr.2026.588330.1603
CHICAGO
Ghasemi, Z., "The Paradox of Faith and Politics: A Discourse Analysis of Mirza Kuchek Khan’s Islamism and its Challenges in the Jangal Movement." Foreign Relations History, (2026): 124–107, doi: 10.22034/hfr.2026.588330.1603
VANCOUVER
Ghasemi Z. The Paradox of Faith and Politics: A Discourse Analysis of Mirza Kuchek Khan’s Islamism and its Challenges in the Jangal Movement. Foreign Relations History. 2026;():124–107 (In Persian). doi: 10.22034/hfr.2026.588330.1603