To many experts, the Islamic Revolution of Iran is not comparable to any other revolutions: this event originated in Imam Khomeini’s thoughts, which were based on Islam. From its early days, the Islamic Revolution of Iran was equipped with a universal school of thought whose nature was different than that of other revolutions.
Bahman 12, 1357 (Feb. 1, 1979)
The twelfth of Bahman was like a sunrise of the Islamic Revolution aiming to establish a glorious and religious civilization. On this day, the steps of the founder of the revolution flourished, which touched the hearts of Muslims. This event had an identity and literature which were unique, new and holy. This refreshing stage led to one of the most drastic social and political transformations that ever happened in the history of world revolutions. Imam Khomeini’s return and the Iranian people’s welcome gave rise to a new day in Islamic Iran, which appeared to be the beginning point for that generation of humanity.
On this day, the sun rose and lit the awaiting mountains with rays of light that wiped out the darkness which had lasted for centuries. On such a day, Imam Khomeini returned to Iran in one of the unforgettable moments of the century.
As soon as the Air France jet landed on the runway of Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport, Morteza Motahhari was the first one to enter the plane to welcome Imam Khomeini and his entourage on behalf of the members of the special staff. After disembarking, Imam Khomeini gave an eight-minute speech in the waiting hall of the airport. After passing through the overcrowded streets, which were full of people seeking to welcome him, the Imam went to Behesht-e Zahra Cemetery, where the martyrs of the Islamic Republic had been buried, to secure allegiance with them.
The Imam’s decisive speech was one of the most important events of Feb. 1, 1979 (Bahman, 12, 1357). The speech played a determining role in defining the nation’s duty. Therefore, the people were more encouraged and their hope for victory increased and while it made the United States, its puppet agents, and the other enemies despair. Bahman 13, 1357 (Feb. 2, 1979)
On this day, many people who were determined to meet the Imam rushed to his residence which was at Alavi School, most got to see Imam Khomeini.
In a lecture on this day, Imam Khomeini stressed, “We must exercise justice. The monarchy is a contradiction to common sense and ignores human rights. Claiming to be weak is just an excuse. Our nation became a huge source of power whose fist stopped tanks and cannons. There were martyrs as well, whom we are very proud of. It is not the time of silence but struggling.”
Bahman 14, 1357 (Feb. 3, 1979)
In a press conference, Imam Khomeini announced that a national council (the Revolutionary Council) would be established in the near future. He also said that its members were nominated and would determine the revolutionary interim government.
On the same day, the Revolutionary Council, with Imam Khomeini personally in attendance, held its first session, during which the members selected Mehdi Bazargan as the prime minister of the interim revolutionary government.
Several members of the Air Force staff also held a demonstration against the shah’s regime. Meanwhile, the professors of Tehran University called for the revocation of all military accords concluded with the United States and Britain, and they called for Iran’s immediate revocation of the CENTO Treaty.
Bahman 15, 1357 (Feb. 4, 1979)
The press published reports of riots and rebellion against the regime and in favor of the Islamic movement on Air Force bases.
Bahman 16, 1357 (Feb. 5, 1979)
There were bloody demonstrations on this day in the southern city of Aghajari in which 13 people were injured. In Tabriz, Qom, Kermanshah, Mashhad, Isfahan, and the other cities, people took part in anti-government demonstrations all night. Imam Khomeini introduced Mr. Bazargan as the prime minister of the revolutionary government.
Bahman 17, 1357 (Feb. 6, 1979)
The people organized mass demonstrations all across the country in support of the Imam’s measure on the establishment of the interim government.
The remnants of the shah’s regime were disintegrating.
Meanwhile, employees of governmental organizations asked for the prompt appointment of ministers.
In a speech addressing the military forces that joined the revolution, the Imam said, “Inform your colleagues and friends. Tell them that their happiness is my concern, and I announce that we should have an independent army.”
The Imam addressed members of the army, scholars, and representatives of the national assembly who had resigned, saying, “I advise (the illegal government and the army), to step down, if you are interested in establishing a peaceful situation and stability in the country. The illegal one must go. The army should join the nation because it will be accepted.”
People spoke of rumors that army leaders were making efforts to mount a coup d’etat. Associated Press News Agency reported: “The Western diplomats confessed that the high-ranking commanders arrived at the conclusion that they are not strong enough to mount the coup d’etat.”
Bahman 18, 1357 (Feb. 7, 1979)
On this day, plans were made for the inauguration of Bazargan’s interim government. In Tehran, the curfew was decreased by one hour.
Bahman 19, 1357 (Feb. 8, 1979)
After the Imam issued a statement calling for a demonstration to support the interim government, people rushed to the streets and mounted massive demonstrations all across the country. In Tehran, over two million people took part in the demonstrations.
Members of the Air Force went to meet the Imam. The regime could not believe this and it gave an excuse for the imperial guards of the regime to attack one of the air bases called Dowshan-Tappeh.
Bahman 20, 1357 (Feb. 9, 1979)
On this day, the imperial guards of regime entered the training airbase in order to suppress the demonstrations mounted by members of the Air Force and the other revolutionary personnel. There, they attacked those who were cooperating with the revolutionary nation, killing and injuring several people.
Bahman 21, 1357 (Feb. 10, 1979)
In the conflicts between the Air Force staff and the regime officers, the people of Tehran rushed to help the Air Force. The doors of the base’s weapons depots were opened and the people armed themselves. The people began to build barricades on the streets and after a short time, they captured the important parts of Tehran.
The scope of the demonstrations expanded. This was palpable in places where the people had acquired guns and were trying to capture important places, including military sites.
Bahman 22, 1357 (Feb. 11, 1979) -- the victory of the Islamic Revolution
The massive clash between the people and the supporters of the regime which had started the night before reached its climax. During these battles, people rushed to help the Air Force and they were able to break through the imperial guards’ barricades and force them to withdraw.
In a very important statement, Imam Khomeini asked the people to continue their resistance. He also warned the officers of the regime to return to their bases. Addressing the people, the Imam asked them to ignore the curfew in order to destroy all of the enemies’ plans.
Finally, after two days of massive battles, all of the important centers, along with the guns, were seized by the people and the military commanders resigned.
Finally, when the people captured Iran’s broadcast center, the call of revolution was heard over the airwaves and in this way, a 2500-year-old monarchy collapsed and the Islamic Republic of Iran introduced itself to the world.
Characteristics of the Islamic Revolution of Iran
As social phenomena, all revolutions have certain commonalities. However, each revolution has its own distinct characteristics. And the Islamic Revolution of Iran is no exception. It has five characteristics.
(1) It is based on Islamic law and ideology:
The Islamic Revolution of Iran is a gift from the World of the Unseen approved by God. This notion had been reflected in the Imam’s will: “We know that this great revolution, which cut the hand of the oppressors and the usurper in Iran, flourished due to God’s approval. If God’s succor were not present, it would have been impossible for 36 million people to take control of the country. The nation, that had witnessed so much anti-Islamic propaganda, including the opposition of men and women in the press and lectures, the anti-Islamic and anti-nationalistic assemblies, the centers of obscenity, gambling, the alcoholic drinks, the narcotics… it was impossible for this nation to get unified and rise up… and take control of the affairs of the country. So, one must not hesitate (to say) that the Islamic Revolution of Iran is different from other revolutions in terms of formation and quality, and motivating factor, and there is no doubt that this is the gift from the World Unseen and from God Almighty bestowed upon the oppressed people.”
From another point of view, this revolution is in line with Islamic schools of thought and ideology in the determination of objectives, the definition of the ideal framework, and the expression of the way and the style of the campaign. It was based on the Quran and the Prophet’s Sunnah.
(2) It is popular:
This characteristic is also found in the other revolutions as well, but it is more conspicuous in the Islamic Revolution of Iran. This means that nearly all of the people, including the military, workers, students, farmers, teachers, city residents, villagers, the young, and the old participated. Through their demonstrations, strikes, meetings, and fighting, the people defeated the monarchy.
(3) Decisive leadership:
Decisive leadership is one of the characteristics of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, which means it is guided by spiritual leaders. Most other revolutions were originally started as a rebellion against religion and the church. Imam Khomeini was a high-ranking cleric, meaning he was an outstanding religious authority.
(4) Nobility:
The Islamic Revolution of Iran is original and genuine. From the conceptual viewpoint, this genuineness was due to the fact that its aims and ideas were not foreign. It was the pure product of Iran’s history and society. Islam is a key part of Iranian culture and national identity. From the practical viewpoint, the genuineness of the revolution lies in the fact that the people achieved victory by using all their power, receiving no assistance from the East or the West.
(5) Legitimacy:
The legitimacy of the Islamic Revolution of Iran can be viewed in two ways:
(a) To be legitimate in righteousness means rising up against the shah’s tyrannical regime since the campaign against any oppression is a religious command and obligatory on all Muslims. Therefore, this revolution had been a combination of rights and duties.
(b) It was also legitimate in that it happened at the right time, since all spiritual and mundane values of the nation would have been destroyed if the tyrannical regime had stayed in power.