Davud Monshizadeh: A Controversial Figure at the Intersection of Politics, Nazism, and Iranian Linguistics

Davud Monshizadeh: A Controversial Figure at the Intersection of Politics, Nazism, and Iranian Linguistics

Davud Monshizadeh, born on 28 August 1914 in Tehran, Iran, remains a complex and controversial figure in Iranian history. His life journey traversed the realms of politics, Nazism, and academia, leaving an indelible mark on each sphere. Most notably, Monshizadeh is remembered as the founder of SUMKA, the "Iranian National Socialist Workers Party," a group that embraced the principles of Nazism during and after World War II.

Monshizadeh's life took an unexpected turn when, in 1937, he relocated to Germany, where he would spend a significant portion of his early years. His involvement in the tumultuous era of World War II saw him becoming a member of the SS, the notorious paramilitary organization of Nazi Germany. During the war, Monshizadeh worked as a Nazi radio propagandist and translator for interrogations with Soviet prisoners of war on the Eastern Front. His active contributions to Nazi publications, including articles for Das Reich, underscored his deep involvement in the propaganda machinery of the time. Monshizadeh's wartime experiences culminated in his participation in the Battle of Berlin, where he sustained injuries.

Post-war, Monshizadeh embarked on an academic career, holding a professorial position at Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich. This phase of his life witnessed an immersion into the philosophical works of Jose Ortega y Gasset, prompting Monshizadeh to translate many of Gasset's books from Spanish to Persian. These translations were intended to serve as foundational principles for SUMKA, a political party he established in 1951 upon his return to Iran.

SUMKA, deeply influenced by National Socialism, mirrored Hitler's ideology, incorporating elements such as militarism and the Nazi salute. Monshizadeh's personal admiration for Hitler extended to an attempt to emulate the physical appearance of the Nazi leader, including sporting a distinctive mustache.

Returning to Iran in 1950, Monshizadeh continued his academic pursuits, serving as a professor of Persian Studies at prestigious institutions such as Uppsala University in Sweden and later at Alexandria University. Despite the controversy surrounding his political affiliations, Monshizadeh made significant contributions to Iranian linguistics, particularly in the study of Modern and Middle Iranian languages.

Davud Monshizadeh's life presents a complex tapestry, weaving together political activism, academia, and personal beliefs. His legacy is one of contradiction, reflecting the intricate interplay of historical events and individual choices. Monshizadeh passed away on 13 July 1989, leaving behind a multifaceted and controversial narrative. He rests in Uppsala Old Cemetery in Sweden, a final chapter in the life of a man whose story continues to spark debate and intrigue.