The Fall of Rasht: Key Events During the Soviet Occupation of Gilan in August 1941 The fall of Rasht on August 28, 1941, marked a critical episode during the Soviet occupation of northern Iran, significantly altering the course of the region’s history. As World War II intensified, Iran’s strategic position made it a focal point for Allied forces. Gilan, with its provincial capital Rasht, became one of the primary targets for Soviet forces, leading to events that would leave an indelible mark on the city and its inhabitants. On August 28, 1941, despite the Iranian government’s orders for a ceasefire, Soviet forces launched an aggressive military campaign against Rasht and other key locations in Gilan. The invasion began with a series of relentless bombings from the air and sea, targeting not only military installations but also civilian areas. These attacks resulted in significant destruction and widespread panic among the population. The following day, Soviet forces continued their assault, causing further chaos and forcing the local military and administrative authorities into a state of disarray. Among the key figures during this turbulent time was Brigadier General Ghadar, the local military commander, who played a central role in managing the crisis. Despite the initial orders to avoid resistance, General Ghadar sought to engage with Soviet forces to understand the reasoning behind their continued attacks. However, his efforts were met with frustration as he was detained by Soviet forces, reflecting the harsh realities of occupation. This incident further demoralized the local population and military, leading to the eventual surrender of Rasht. As the Soviet occupation tightened its grip on Rasht, the city’s infrastructure and governance were rapidly taken over. The Soviets demanded the disarmament of local police forces, imposed censorship on communications, and took control of vital institutions such as the National Bank and the telegraph and telephone networks. The city’s administration was effectively subordinated to Soviet military authority, with local officials left to manage civilian life under the watchful eyes of their occupiers. A group of the Red Army marched in Talysh until the 6th day of Shahrivar, the Russian attacks continued fiercely, and on this day, the army forces were ordered to cease resistance. But on the 7th day of Shahrivar, the Soviet planes once again bombed the cities of Rasht, Lahijan and Anzali, and as a result 203 people in Rasht, 29 people in Lahijan and 7 people in Anzali were killed and some were injured, and then the city of Rasht was attacked by the Red Army. It was occupied and the relationship between this city and Tehran was cut off, and a group of people fled to Qazvin and nearby villages out of fear, and their houses and shops were looted by vagrants and marauders. At the end of Shahrivar, little by little, the fugitives returned to their homes, and Gilan was completely under the control of the Russians. After the news of the withdrawal of the resistance reached the Gilan army, the Ministry of the Interior, according to the statement of the head of the Qadr Brigade, informed the necessary places on Thursday, 6 September. On Friday night, the lights of Rasht were bright and people were happy. But on Friday morning, the soldiers who were ordered not to resist are attacked on the entire front, including the city of Rasht, repeatedly bombarded and damaged. Historical reports about the Allied attack on Gilan During the war years, the influx of hungry and sick people increased to the cities, and due to the spread of typhoid disease in 1944, the government, through a declaration, prohibited people from attending public places such as coffee houses and public baths, even using the toilet, which became a tool. And it was a public visit, he warned. The death and dying of poor and displaced people is more noticeable in the outskirts of Lahijan, Astana and Rasht. Various films were shown by Russians in the corners of the cities. Many of the big houses and administrative and labor facilities, even the national library of Rasht city, were at the disposal of the Soviet army for the accommodation of soldiers. However, sometimes the airplanes used to broadcast announcements over the cities and informed the people about the past events and the policies implemented by the foreign forces in Iran, and this situation continued until the end of the war. After the bombings of August-September 1941 by the Soviets, which were carried out on the defenseless people of Anzali, Rasht and Lahijan, the commander of the Gilan army had given an order to leave the resistance. Also, the orders they provide must be implemented immediately. However, the Soviets used the minimal facilities that Iran had at that time. Among other things, we can refer to the use and acquisition of weapons in the security and police forces. According to the historical reports that exist in this regard, there were meetings that were entirely aimed at surrendering the command of Brigadier General Qadr and Colonel Farrokh to the allied forces. The presence of the Allies in Iran brought with it many problems. Among other things, we can mention the destruction and casualties that were caused in Iran. The emergence of problems for poor people whose houses were damaged. Compared to before, the urban landscape had created many problems with itself. In addition to such problems that Gilan faces, after the World War and the departure of the allied forces from Iran, various cases were also kidnapped from Gilan or in other words, it was looted by the Soviets. Among others, we can mention some warships and grains such as barley and rice. The general situation of the people of Gilan in September 1941 According to the historical documents that have been presented, the people of Gilan were very weak in terms of spirit. Since Gilan was abundant at that time and the farmers were engaged in their agricultural work and provided their needs easily, so during the Second World War and the problems that can be mentioned,It was the lack of rice and its high price. The people of Gilan, who have special eating habits, had suffered problems in the war and were unable to meet their need for food. Khawar Wabar is very good and because rice was scarce, I immediately bought thirty tons of rice from the economy department and put it up for sale by the municipality. As a result of this action, rice shops sell much more, bread and sugar are plentiful so far, but in one week, Gilan will be in dire straits in terms of food supplies. (Amiri, 1400). According to the Comprehensive Database of Contemporary Iranian History, the occupation of Gilan by the Russians provided a favorable situation for the leftists, and communist propaganda reached even small villages along with the showing of Russian films. The national communists also started intense activity by using the freedom provided by the Russians, but their opponents did not stop their activity despite the Russian police government and continued to fight against the leftists. Groups and unions, parties and centers were established in Gilan, which can be mentioned as Mihan Jangal parties, Dehghanan Union, Rasht City Union and activities of Tudeh Party. The dominance of the Democratic Party in Azerbaijan and the song of the disintegration of Azerbaijan led some of the Gilani parties to prevent the wave of propaganda and influence of the Democratic Party in Gilan, and the survivors of the Jungle Movement in the form of the Jungle Party decided that the unfinished work of the Jungle Movement in forming a national government in They implemented Iran. But after consulting with the Russians to buy weapons, they faced their opposition and the Soviet ambassador Melnikov declared this national action against the policy of his government. With the gaining power of the forces of the Democratic Party led by Peshavari in Azerbaijan, the loyalists of the Democratic Party came to conquer Gilan to Kapur Chal, a few kilometers from the Pahlavi port, and they had 2000 armed people in the Pahlavi port in the name of fishing workers, and the people were afraid of the fall of the city by the Peshavari forces. They were fleeing to Tehran, but with measures, security returned to the city and prevented people from fleeing. With the establishment of Qawam al-Sultanah and the events that occurred after his rule, it led to the evacuation of the Soviet forces and the flight of professionals and the dissolution of the Democratic sect, and the issue of the national revolution of Gilan was dismissed.