Naser al-Din Shah was the ruling monarch of Iran from 1848 until his assassination in 1896, forming a significant figure in the Qajar dynasty. Over his nearly fifty years in power, he became known for pursuing modernization efforts but was also criticized for his failure to effectively address widespread corruption and political oppression. The atmosphere during his reign was fraught with discontent, particularly from intellectuals and reformists who sought a more representative government and adherence to constitutional principles.

On May 1, 1896, while visiting the Shah Abdol-Azim Shrine in Rey, a city south of Tehran, Naser al-Din Shah was confronted by Mirza Reza Kermani. Kermani was a dedicated follower of Jamal al-Din al-Afghani, an influential reformist thinker who advocated for anti-colonialism and social reform within the Islamic world. Motivated by the Shah's oppressive rule and the failures of his government, Kermani executed a planned assassination that had been inspired by Afghani's teachings, which emphasized the need for change.

This assassination shocked Iran, leading to public outcries and a swift crackdown on dissent. Kermani was apprehended and executed shortly after the incident, but his actions resonated with many disillusioned citizens. The assassination marked a pivotal moment in Iran's quest for change and signaled the beginning of a more intense struggle against autocratic rule, eventually leading to the Constitutional Revolution just over a decade later.