WI: Khurramites Survive

Alright, so the Khurramites were a religious sect based on a mix of Shi'a Islam and Zoroastrianism who lived in Persia from roughly
750 CE to the 16th century.

The sect itself was unique in its beliefs, particularly in that it espoused what we would now call proto-socialism and were very socially liberal,
with a significant amount promoting free love, alcohol consumption and a general 'do what makes you happy' attitude.

So what if the Khurramites had survived past the 16th century as a major socio-religious movement in Persia and its surroundings, remaining true
to their social liberalism and egalitarianism?
 
Pure awesomeness? A Hippy Persian empire?

Seriously, I don't know if they could become a major force, but I could easily see them retreating into the mountains in Tabaristan and linking up with the remaining Zoroastrian principalities there, and essentially carving out a small independent state. They could easily last centuries there, if they played their politics right.
 
Pure awesomeness? A Hippy Persian empire?

Seriously, I don't know if they could become a major force, but I could easily see them retreating into the mountains in Tabaristan and linking up with the remaining Zoroastrian principalities there, and essentially carving out a small independent state. They could easily last centuries there, if they played their politics right.
Well, cannabis IS indigenous to Central Asia, so hippies 1000-500 years early isn't impossible...:D

Seriuosly, though, if they manage to succesfully play the Russians/Ottomans/British/Persians against each other, they could last indefinately. Especially if they aren't expansionist and modernize fairly successfully. That's if they form a small splinter state in the mountains. If they convert a sizeable amount of Persia (and, really, who wouldn't like this religon?) then there's no telling how far they could spread. Were they pacifistic?
 
*Bumpity Bump*

I'd think a group like this would've gotten more than two posts.

Oh, and something I did'nt mention initially, the Khurramites were also called 'the Red wearing ones' do to their wearing red clothes, which from a modern perspective makes them seem like they had Future influence.
 
Hippy Persian empire? Oh yes?

I'm sure they could unite with the remaining non-Muslims and form an independent state. :cool:
 
They would have to stop the make love not war business and become a
millitary society like the sikhs..

The sikhs made it from a tiny cult always on the run to empire builders that defeated the british army twice in battle..
 
They would have to stop the make love not war business and become a
millitary society like the sikhs..

Theyy actually were'nt Peaceniks, they actually rebelled and later lead attacks against Iraq and Iran and managed to deat four Abbasid Armies with the support of the ERE.

The Khurramites did'nt really dissapear until the Saffavids came along, lasting from around 755 to the 16th century.
 
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