From its beginning, Iran, like many other Islamic nations,
has been marked deeply by two contrasting characteristics:
religious fervor and royal indulgence. Islam demands stern
morality and principles. Yet, from the seventh century into
the late 1900s, the royalty of many Middle Eastern countries
ruled with an extravagance that, in some circumstances, was
shocking. Kings and court favorites reveled while commoners
and clerics seethed—a sure formula for upheaval.
The “Land Between East and West” 17