An American Martyr in Persia: A Conversation with Reza Aslan

Reza Aslan is not just a creative writing professor at the University of California, Riverside. He is also an internationally renowned writer, scholar of religions, an Emmy- and Peabody-nominated producer, and the recipient of the prestigious James Joyce Award.

In his latest book, An American Martyr in Persia, Reza Aslan traces the extraordinary journey of Howard Baskerville from the halls of Princeton to the middle of a democratic revolution in Persia (modern-day Iran). After graduating from university, Baskerville traveled to Tabriz in 1907 to teach at a missionary school. While there, he became immersed in the lives of his students who were dedicated to fighting for freedom in the Constitutional Revolution of Iran. Baskerville, who died during the Battle of Ghazan, is often remembered as the “American Lafayette of Iran” and an “American martyr” for the country. Using Baskerville’s life as a touchpoint, Aslan examines the power and allure of freedom and democracy and how Americans view these ideals outside of their own country.

Join us at the City Club as we hear from Professor Aslan for the inaugural Siddiq Forum on the Islamic World.

Please note: For those who practice, space will be provided at the City Club immediately following the forum for Friday Prayer.

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