University Honors

In this paper, I will tell the story of two of my ancestors. My paternal great-grandmotherand great-great-grandfather. A story that is tied to the history of the world and the history of Iran.I will explore their lives and legacy, shaping many people, families, and towns. My Great-greatgrandfather, a wealthy Khan, controlled vast amounts of land and held great influence in thewestern regions of the province of Kurdistan in the Kingdom of Persia by the late 19th and early20th centuries. The clan, however, would be nearly wiped out by bandits and outlaws, killingmost of the family, burning the family manor, stealing their wealth, and later hanging the head ofthe family, my great-great-grandfather. My great-grandmother and her brother lived as they hidin the wine cellars. However, this is where the story of my great-grandmother begins with mostof her young life surviving the First World War, nearly being killed, and watching ImperialRussian Forces slaughter her hometown. Her bravery and dedication to saving her family causedher to create an armed revolt against the occupying armies. With her leading the revolt andslaying almost a dozen soldiers by herself. Her dying wish was for the world to know thecruelties that fell upon her family, and I am honoring her wish by bringing her story and the storyof her father to life.