Iranian Revolution of 1979
Iranian Revolution of 1979: A revolution in Iran where a coalition of forces opposed to the Western-oriented Pahlavi regime and dominated by Shii Muslim clerics overthrew the government of Muhammad Reza Shah Pahlavi. The acknowledged leader was Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Causes included the modernization/westernization programs undertaken since the 1920s, particularly the economic and social reform programs of the 1963 White Revolution; state control of religious institutions, which deprived clerics of power and income; and the perceived corruption and extreme wealth of the shah and the ruling class.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: الثورة الإيرانية لعام 1979
- Turkish: 1979 İran Devrimi
Background and Causes
- Modernization and Westernization: Programs initiated since the 1920s aimed at modernizing and Westernizing Iran.
- Economic and Social Reforms: Incited by the Shah’s 1963 White Revolution that led to significant economic disruption and social discontent.
- State Control of Religious Institutions: Reduced clerical power and income.
- Corruption and Wealth Disparity: Perceived corruption and excessive wealth among the Shah and the elite class.
Key Events
- Initial Protests: Began on 9 January 1978, when theology students in Qom protested against a newspaper article accusing Khomeini of various crimes.
- Escalation: Violent conflicts between demonstrators and police sparked nationwide protests.
- Khomeini’s Exile and Influence: Preached from exile in France, attributing Iran’s exploitation to foreign powers, mainly the U.S. This inspired a broad base across Iran’s economic and regional demographics.
- Shah’s Departure: The Shah was forced to leave Iran on 16 January 1979.
- Khomeini’s Return: Khomeini returned to Iran on 1 February 1979 and was met with great acclaim.
- Seizure of Power: Officially seized power on 11 February 1979.
- New Constitution: A referendum in March led to the establishment of an Islamic Republic with ultimate power vested in Khomeini and a religious Council of Guardians.
Implications
- The revolution symbolized that secular regimes influenced by Western ideologies could be overthrown under Islamic leadership.
- It energized Islamic revivalist movements and sparked increased Islamic fundamentalist activities globally, from Morocco to Southeast Asia.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- Islamic Revolution in Iran by Arshin Adib-Moghaddam
- Khomeini: Life of the Ayatollah by Baqer Moin
- The Turban for the Crown: The Islamic Revolution in Iran by Said Amir Arjomand
Takeaways and Conclusion
The Iranian Revolution of 1979 was a landmark geopolitical event that reshaped not only Iran but also the broader Muslim world. Orchestrated mainly by Shii clerics under Ayatollah Khomeini’s leadership, it displaced the heavily Western-influenced Pahlavi regime, replacing it with an Islamic Republic. This event underscored the potential of organized Islamic movements to challenge and successfully overthrow secular governments. It also served as an impetus for Islamic fundamentalist activities globally.
See Also
- Khomeini, Ruhollah al-Musavi
