The Khurramites: Religion, Revolt, and Memory. Part II.

Episode number 5 continues the exploration of the story of the Khurramites, a religious movement in Medieval Iran. The movement was nativist in nature, but had features of a syncretic cult. Neither fully Zoroastrian, nor Islamic, however rooted in the long history of Iranic religious traditions.In part II, we focus on the Khurramite rebellion against the Abbasid Caliphate, under the leadership of Babak Khorramdin. We delve into the history of the movement after Babak's defeat, including the intricate relations between the Khurramites and the Byzantine Empire, as well as their likely influence on various heterodox currents across the Persianate world. We then have a glimpse into how the image of Babak has been used in literature and art of modern Iran and Azerbaijan to shape divergent political and cultural narratives. We also attempt to grasp the role of Babak and the Khurramites in modern Kurdish and Talysh discourses. What makes Babak's story so compelling for modern artists and political activists?