The Social-political Role of the Press in Constitutional Revolution Content Analysis of the Editorials of Roholghodos and Sur-e Esrafil Newspapers

Roholghodos and Sur-e Esrafil were two newspapers that played a significant role in the era of the constitutional revolution of 1906-1907. Managers of these newspapers are among the first freedom fighters who were convicted and killed for their activities during the time. The publication of the Roholghodos and Sur-e Esrafil began after the victory of the constitutional revolution and continued until the coup of Mohammad Ali Shah Qajar. Roholghodos and Sur-e Esrafil have been published 28 and 32 times during this period and included 13 and 12 editorials respectively. The results of the research show that in the editorial articles of the Roholghodos included more political contents while Sur-e Esrafil contained religious issues in addition to political and social topics. The results of the present study indicate that during the constitutional revolution the two mentioned newspapers played an important role in promoting freedom and criticizing despotism.