Heshmat Taleqani

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Dr. Talequani Heshmat (also Dr. Heshmat-e Taleghani) was a physician in Lahijan and one of Mirza Kuchak Khan's closest friends and allies during the Jangal movement in the Gilan province of northern Iran. He served in many leading positions during the movement.

In the campaign against the movement initiated by Ahmad Shah's court in 1918-1919, the central government promised amnesty for the "Jangali" leaders who would surrender. Despite Mirza Kuchak Khan's advice, Dr. Heshmat surrendered. The Qajar court reneged it's earlier amnesty and condemned Dr. Heshmat to death by hanging. He was hanged in Ghoroghe Kargozari in Rasht on 11 May 1919, while the governor, Teymour Tash, and his entourage watched. Dr. Heshmat himself put the rope around his neck and despite the audience's sympathy for his bravery, his life was not spared. The Jangal movement took off after this temporary defeat and resulted in the formation of the Persian Socialist Soviet Republic.

Dr. Heshmat was buried at "Chelleh Khaneh" cemetery in Rasht (Ref.) [1].. After 1979 his statue was erected at the modern day Farhang square in Rasht. Ebrahim Fakhrayi describes in detail a memorable ceremony at his tomb in May 1920 by Mirza Kuchak Khan who was victorious at the time and attended by many people in Rasht.