The British Stance Toward Simko Shikak’s Movement in Iranian Kurdistan(1914-1921)

Abstract

After the outbreak of the World War 1 and Britain’s involvement as one the major superpowers in it, the British strived relentlessly to protect their hegemonial dominance in their colonies as well as stabilize their governing system in them including their control over Iran. Therefore, when Simko Shikak’s revolution began in the early stages, they did not have a transparent stance for it nor did they take any measures against it. Following the Anglo-Persian agreement of 1919, however, Britain explicitly declared its partiality and support for the Tehran government. Consequently, the British began to adopt a hostile stance against Simko’s rebellion, rejecting his repeated appeals and for independence. At times, the British would refuse to assign their official envoys to meet with him, disregarding his requests and proposals. When Britain helped establish a new government in Iran in 1921, it openly supported the Tehran administration both militarily and politically. It even attempted to eliminate Simko’s movement in several manners including launching a defaming campaign against him and his cause through media outlets in favour of securing a strong government in Tehran. Their goal was to strengthen the central government in Tehran and to organize a unified Iranian army so as to secure Britain’s route to India and other colonies in the east.