The Persian shah was so taken by the Cossacks’ martial spirit that he requested the Russian tsar to create a similar troop in his own country. For the Russians, it was an unmissable opportunity to gain a foothold in Iran.
The whole of Europe feared these ferocious bearded cavalrymen, armed with pikes and sabers. Known also for their wild temper and superb fighting prowess, the Cossacks will forever be an integral part of Russia’s mystique.
The Cossack irregular cavalry was a source of envy and admiration for many countries that dreamed of having such units in their own armies. One of them even turned to Russia for assistance to set up its own Cossack military formation. This was Iran, still officially known as Persia until 1935.
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