Howard Baskerville in Iran’s Constitutional Revolution
From Tabriz’s Memorial School to the Constitutional Revolution
Howard Baskerville and the Constitutional Revolution
Howard Baskerville arrived in Tabriz in 1907 to teach science and English. Less than two years later he was drilling volunteers trying to break the siege of the city. His route from the classroom to the constitutionalist ranks began with colleagues and students at the American Memorial School.
Baskerville graduated from Princeton in 1907. Princeton Alumni Weekly records that he majored in religion and took courses in jurisprudence and constitutional government with Woodrow Wilson.
Baskerville’s recruitment left a paper trail in Presbyterian mission records. The Presbyterian Historical Society’s account of its holdings identifies a recommendation written by Woodrow Wilson among the documents preserved there. These records place his journey to Tabriz within the mission network that employed him.
Iran’s first parliament opened in 1906. In June 1908, forces loyal to Mohammad Ali Shah bombarded the parliament building in Tehran. Tabriz resisted the shah, and the blockade cut off food supplies to the city.
Encyclopaedia Iranica identifies fellow teacher Mirza Hosayn Sharifzada as Baskerville’s link to the constitutionalists. After Sharifzada was assassinated in 1908 and hunger spread during the siege, Baskerville resigned and joined the defenders.
Baskerville and Irish correspondent W. A. Moore trained volunteers in the citadel courtyards. The US consul, William F. Doty, asked Baskerville to surrender his passport.
Baskerville was shot during an attempt to break through royalist positions at Qara Malek, on the outskirts of Tabriz. Iranica dates his death to 19 April 1909. Princeton Alumni Weekly reports that his gravestone gives 20 April.
Baskerville was buried in a Christian cemetery in Tabriz, described by Princeton Alumni Weekly as a former Presbyterian mission cemetery. His funeral drew townspeople, foreign residents and constitutionalist volunteers.
A telegram sent to his parents compared him to Lafayette, according to the account published by Princeton Alumni Weekly.
Princeton Alumni Weekly also records that Sattar Khan sent Baskerville’s rifle to his family wrapped in a Persian flag.
The Constitution House of Tabriz commemorates the local movement and includes a bust of Baskerville among other figures associated with it.
Aref Ghazvini’s poetry
Princeton Alumni Weekly records that a memorial tablet placed at the grave in 1950 bore a tribute attributed to the poet Aref Qazvini. The verse honours Baskerville for giving his life for Iran and the cause of justice.
“Three Hundred Red Roses”: Disputed Attribution
Another verse associated with Baskerville is commonly referred to as “Three Hundred Red Roses.” Its attribution and connection to his death remain uncertain.
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It is, always, a great pleasure to see that the Iranians honor those who contribute to their welfare. However, it is imperative, when writing a historical note to make sure that no mistakes are being made. In the first photograph, it is stated that “the picture was taken on the occasion of the ” 42d academic in 1923, Baskerville is the third person standing on the right.” This picture, most probably, has nothing to do with Baskerville. He was killed in 1909.
The correct history, by Dr. Reza Zadeh Shafagh: one of the Baskerville’s student, stated that they were in the war theater and that Baskerville was warned not to stand up or to commence firing until such order was issued, which unfortunately he did and was shot by a government soldier.
For a more complete account of this great American, please check the book of “Fire Beneath the Ashes- Relation between US and Iran, 2011, by Dr. Guilak and also, Ali Pasha Saleh, “Cultural Ties Between Iran and the United States.