Have a nationalistic movement that unites the Iranian peoples (Kurds, Iranians, Pashtuns, Tajisk, Baluchs, etc) into one nation. Can this be pulled off? And if so what could happen?
I suppose if Persia had been partitioned by colonial powers, you might see a movement arise later on that invoked a sort of Pan-Iranian nationalism. Whether it would succeed or not is another story, but it's an idea. If we look at the most likely powers to carve up Iran, you've got Russia, the UK (via India) and the Ottoman Empire; all three empires would collapse in time, and if you have an ambitious enough leader in Iran, I suppose it's possible they might try to pick up the pieces.
What about the Iranian peoples outside Iran though?
Yes. Russia colonised the Caucasus, Britain Balochistan and Afghanistan, Ottoman Empire the Middle East (including the Kurds). I suppose the only hurdle you'd have to get over would be the religious differences.
So how do you think they can unite?
I really don't know. I was just trying to get the ball rolling for other commenters, but alas.
It's not really an area of history I know much about.
I assume the religious divide between Shias and Sunnis would be a problem (just as with pan-arabism). The same would apply even with pan-persianism. Maybe it would be easier if the religious divide was seen as less important?
I assume the religious divide between Shias and Sunnis would be a problem (just as with pan-arabism). The same would apply even with pan-persianism. Maybe it would be easier if the religious divide was seen as less important?
I suppose if Persia had been partitioned by colonial powers, you might see a movement arise later on that invoked a sort of Pan-Iranian nationalism. Whether it would succeed or not is another story, but it's an idea. If we look at the most likely powers to carve up Iran, you've got Russia, the UK (via India) and the Ottoman Empire; all three empires would collapse in time, and if you have an ambitious enough leader in Iran, I suppose it's possible they might try to pick up the pieces.
Alans are of Iranian stock , too
Perhaps a more successful pan-Arabism. It would provide a template for overcoming the religious divide, and the various Iranic minorities in the Arab world, in particular the Kurds, would be drawn to pan-Iranism as a necessity in order to oppose a more unified and stronger Arab bloc. Maybe an alt-Iran-Iraq War, with the Iranians invading Mesopotamia to liberate the Kurds from Arabic oppression?