Masters of the Garden: An Environmental History of Nation-Building in Pahlavi Iran

Environmental transformation was central to Pahlavi Iran's nation-building and global reassertion, revealing a legacy that persists today. The study argues that major projects like the Trans-Iranian Railway, dams, and anti-desertification efforts were not primarily about ecological sustainability but served to expand state control while marginalizing dissenting groups. These initiatives, though granting international prestige, also created long-term vulnerabilities for the Pahlavi dynasty. By analyzing these episodes through an environmental lens, the research uncovers how Iran's distinct historical trajectory—lacking imperial infrastructure yet aspiring to pre-Islamic grandeur—shaped its modernization and left a lasting impact on current environmental challenges.

Sadan, A. (2023). Masters of the Garden: An Environmental History of Nation-Building in Pahlavi Iran [University of Michigan]. https://doi.org/10.7302/8274