Blood & Oil

1. A Prince's Harem Upbringing Shapes His Worldview

Whenever a child was born, it was as though a new river of love opened up in his heart.

Privileged Beginnings. Manucher Farmanfarmaian's birth into the Qajar dynasty's harem, a world of opulence and tradition, profoundly shaped his early life. Growing up amidst seven hundred household members, including multiple wives and servants, provided a unique perspective on power, family dynamics, and the complexities of Persian society.

Distant Father Figure. Despite the outward appearance of love and celebration surrounding his birth, Farmanfarmaian's relationship with his father was characterized by emotional distance and strict discipline. This lack of paternal affection instilled a sense of longing and a desire to understand the man behind the princely facade.

Early Exposure to Politics. Even within the seemingly sheltered walls of the harem, political intrigue and dynastic tensions were ever-present. Farmanfarmaian's exposure to these undercurrents at a young age laid the foundation for his later involvement in Iranian politics and his keen understanding of the forces shaping his country's destiny.

2. Oil's Blessing and Curse on Iran's Destiny

Oil had been my life for forty years; to no other mistress had I given so much.

Double-Edged Sword. Oil, a seemingly boundless source of wealth, became both a blessing and a curse for Iran. While it fueled modernization and economic growth, it also attracted foreign interference, corruption, and internal power struggles, ultimately shaping the nation's tumultuous 20th-century history.

Foreign Exploitation. The allure of oil led to the exploitation of Iran's resources by foreign powers, particularly Britain and later the United States. These powers often prioritized their own interests over those of the Iranian people, leading to resentment and a deep-seated distrust of Western influence.

Internal Strife. The vast wealth generated by oil exacerbated existing social and economic inequalities within Iran, creating a divide between the privileged elite and the impoverished masses. This disparity fueled social unrest and contributed to the eventual revolution.

3. Clash of Cultures: Tradition vs. Modernity

Watching television, wearing blue jeans, drinking Coca-Cola—that’s being modern, not civilized.

Bridging Two Worlds. Farmanfarmaian's life straddled the traditional world of Persian aristocracy and the rapidly modernizing world influenced by the West. This constant tension between tradition and modernity shaped his personal values and his understanding of Iran's place in the global landscape.

Superficial Modernization. The Shah's attempts to rapidly modernize Iran often resulted in superficial changes that failed to address the underlying social and cultural issues. The adoption of Western fashions and technologies did not necessarily translate into genuine progress or a more equitable society.

Loss of Cultural Identity. The influx of Western culture and values threatened to erode Iran's unique cultural identity, leading to a sense of alienation and a longing for a return to traditional ways. This cultural clash contributed to the rise of religious fundamentalism and the eventual revolution.

4. The Great Game: Superpower Intrigue and Its Consequences

Iran is where the double standard of international politics finally came home to roost.

Geopolitical Pawn. Iran became a pawn in the "Great Game" between Britain and Russia, as both superpowers sought to control its resources and strategic location. This constant foreign interference undermined Iran's sovereignty and fueled internal instability.

Double Standards. The superpowers often applied double standards in their dealings with Iran, demanding adherence to Western values while simultaneously pursuing their own self-interests. This hypocrisy further eroded trust and fueled anti-Western sentiment.

Unintended Consequences. The superpowers' actions in Iran often had unintended consequences, contributing to the rise of authoritarian regimes and the eventual revolution. The overthrow of Mohammad Mossadeq, for example, paved the way for the Shah's increasingly autocratic rule.

5. Exile and Rebirth: Finding a New Identity

Every country gets the government it deserves.

Forced Displacement. Farmanfarmaian's experiences with exile, both during Mossadeq's rule and after the revolution, highlighted the pain and disorientation of being uprooted from one's homeland. Exile forced him to confront questions of identity, belonging, and the meaning of home.

Adaptation and Resilience. Despite the challenges of exile, Farmanfarmaian demonstrated remarkable resilience, adapting to new environments and building a successful life in Venezuela. His ability to embrace new cultures while retaining his Persian heritage showcased the strength and adaptability of the human spirit.

A Critical Eye. Exile provided Farmanfarmaian with a unique perspective on both Iran and the West, allowing him to critically examine the strengths and weaknesses of each. This critical eye informed his later writings and his understanding of the complex relationship between the two.

6. The Allure and Peril of Political Power

When you are alive, fire should come out of your mouth. When you are dead, fire should come out of your grave.

Ambition and Influence. Farmanfarmaian's family history was intertwined with the political landscape of Iran, with many members holding positions of power and influence. This legacy instilled in him a sense of ambition and a desire to shape his country's destiny.

The Price of Power. The pursuit of political power often came at a great cost, as Farmanfarmaian and his family experienced firsthand the dangers of political intrigue, imprisonment, and even assassination. This exposure to the darker side of power tempered his ambition and instilled a sense of caution.

Moral Compromises. The pursuit of political goals often required making difficult moral compromises, forcing Farmanfarmaian to grapple with questions of ethics and the limits of personal integrity. This struggle between ambition and morality became a recurring theme in his life.

7. Nationalism and the Struggle for Sovereignty

We were decadent, like the lords of the ancien régime. But instead of Napoleon we got Khomeini.

Patriotism and Pride. A deep sense of patriotism and pride in Iran's rich history and culture fueled Farmanfarmaian's desire to protect his country's sovereignty and independence from foreign interference. This nationalism often clashed with the realities of Iran's geopolitical position and its dependence on foreign powers.

The Limits of Self-Determination. Despite his strong nationalist sentiments, Farmanfarmaian recognized the limitations of Iran's ability to fully control its own destiny. The country's dependence on oil and its vulnerability to foreign influence often forced it to make difficult compromises.

The Illusion of Control. The pursuit of national sovereignty often led to unintended consequences, as attempts to assert control over resources and policies resulted in internal strife and external pressure. This highlighted the complex and often paradoxical nature of nationalism.

8. The Shadows of Revolution: Loss and Transformation

I’ve turned my back on Iran. I’ve finally left her to her wounds.

Shattered World. The Iranian Revolution shattered Farmanfarmaian's world, stripping him of his wealth, status, and sense of belonging. The revolution forced him to confront the loss of his country and the destruction of a way of life that had defined his identity.

Disillusionment and Regret. The revolution led to disillusionment with the political ideals he had once held dear, as he witnessed the rise of a new form of authoritarianism that was as oppressive as the old. This disillusionment was compounded by a sense of regret over the choices he and his family had made in the past.

Finding Meaning in Memory. Despite the pain and loss, Farmanfarmaian found meaning in preserving the memory of a lost world. By sharing his stories and insights, he hoped to provide a more nuanced understanding of Iran's history and to prevent future generations from repeating the mistakes of the past.

9. Navigating a World of Espionage and Shifting Alliances

Every country gets the government it deserves.

Undercurrents of Deceit. The world of Iranian politics was rife with espionage, double-dealing, and shifting alliances. Farmanfarmaian found himself navigating a treacherous landscape where trust was a rare commodity and betrayal was commonplace.

The Price of Loyalty. Loyalty to family, country, and sovereign often came at a great cost, as Farmanfarmaian witnessed firsthand the consequences of choosing sides in a world of shifting allegiances. This highlighted the ethical dilemmas faced by those caught in the crossfire of political intrigue.

The Illusion of Control. Despite his efforts to understand and navigate the complex web of espionage and alliances, Farmanfarmaian often felt powerless to control the forces shaping his country's destiny. This sense of helplessness underscored the limitations of individual agency in the face of larger historical forces.

10. The Elusive Dream of Progress and Prosperity

It is the classic third-world problem: They live badly on what they have.

The Promise of Modernization. The promise of modernization and economic progress held great appeal for Farmanfarmaian and many of his countrymen. They believed that by embracing Western technologies and ideas, Iran could achieve a better future for its people.

The Pitfalls of Rapid Development. The rapid pace of modernization often led to unintended consequences, such as social disruption, environmental degradation, and the widening of economic inequalities. These negative side effects tempered Farmanfarmaian's enthusiasm for progress and led him to question the true meaning of development.

The Search for Sustainable Solutions. Despite the challenges, Farmanfarmaian remained committed to finding sustainable solutions that would improve the lives of ordinary Iranians. He recognized the need for a more balanced approach to development that took into account both economic progress and social well-being.

11. The Seeds of Revolution: Unintended Consequences

How blinding is the power of hope!

The Law of Unintended Consequences. The best-laid plans often went awry, as attempts to improve Iran's economy and society resulted in unintended and often negative consequences. This highlighted the complex and unpredictable nature of social change.

The Perils of Authoritarianism. The Shah's increasingly authoritarian rule, while initially seen as a means to achieve progress, ultimately stifled dissent and created a climate of fear and resentment. This repression fueled the rise of religious fundamentalism and the eventual revolution.

The Power of Collective Memory. The Iranian people's long collective memory of past injustices and foreign interference played a crucial role in shaping their response to the Shah's regime. This historical awareness made them resistant to outside influence and determined to chart their own course.

12. A Personal Journey Through a Nation's Turmoil

The tales are all true, but they are like kaleidoscopes: Turn them a different way, and you see a different set of images.

Subjectivity of History. Farmanfarmaian's memoir serves as a reminder that history is not a fixed and objective narrative, but rather a collection of individual perspectives and experiences. Each person's story offers a unique lens through which to view the past.

The Importance of Perspective. Understanding the Iranian point of view is crucial for comprehending the country's complex relationship with the West. By sharing his personal experiences and insights, Farmanfarmaian hoped to bridge the gap between cultures and promote greater understanding.

The Enduring Power of Storytelling. In the end, it is the power of storytelling that allows us to connect with the past and to learn from the experiences of others. By sharing his own story, Farmanfarmaian leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inform and inspire future generations.

Last updated: April 9, 2025