Relations have thawed since recent signing of a nuclear deal. President Hassan Rouhani has used the occasion to urge Iranians to vote in upcoming elections.
- 37 years since Iran’s Islamic revolution
- Thousands rally across the country
- Ceremonies also held around the world
IRAN-REVOLUTION-ANNIVERSARY 1979 pic.twitter.com/cjmoS8xwbY
— GÜNTANSU (@quatzal) July 31, 2015
ADVERTISEMENTIranians have begun nationwide celebrations to commemorate the 37th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution.
State television has aired footage of rallies in Tehran, as well as other cities and towns across the country.
Iran revolution day in Tehran, pretty cold today. pic.twitter.com/xCFNjK2hcj
— Thomas Erdbrink (@ThomasErdbrink) February 11, 2016
General Soleimani, his portrait at least, at the annual revolution anniversary in Tehran. pic.twitter.com/wR7bGYiPir
— Thomas Erdbrink (@ThomasErdbrink) February 11, 2016
Demonstrators chanted traditional slogans against the US and Israel. Some streets are decorated with anti-US and anti-Israeli banners and posters.
Capturing US sailors recreated at Iran Islamic Revolution anniversary rally in Tehran. pic.twitter.com/MwRFt8slrK
— Ahmad Batebi (@abatebi) February 11, 2016
Some dressed as a group of US sailors arrested by Iran in the Persian Gulf in mid-January.
This yr's addition to #Iran revolution anniversary ceremony/rally: recreating scene of US sailors seizure by IRGC pic.twitter.com/RJ9uN91gAv
— Ladane Nasseri (@LadaneNasseri) February 11, 2016
PressTV LIVE
PresidentHassanRouhani</a> : Iran managed to make Iranophobia project fail <a href="https://t.co/uZFhlny0lg">https://t.co/uZFhlny0lg</a> <a href="https://t.co/WtIFsR4K54">pic.twitter.com/WtIFsR4K54</a></p>— Press TV (PressTV) February 11, 2016
President Hassan Rouhani spoke to the crowds gathered in the capital’s Azadi Square.
“We have the ability to assert ourselves in the field of diplomacy,” he said, “ and a have logical dialogue facing the international community.”
“We could erase all the cruel resolutions of the UN Security Council against the Iranian people.”
Two upcoming elections are key. I've taken the oath to defend the constitution & will do all in my power to ensure a fair & free election.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) February 2, 2016
President Rouhani also urged the crowd to turn out and vote in elections for parliament and Iran’s Consitutional Council.
They are due to be held on February the 26th.
Around the world
News agencies say ceremonies have also been held in Jordan, Lebanon, London, Pakistan and Indonesia.
The context
Iranian Revolution establishes an Islamic theocracy under the leadership of Ayatollah Khomeini on 11 February 1979. pic.twitter.com/my09QnxDxB
— Knowledge (@NadirQuiz) February 11, 2016
The rallies commemorate February the 11th, 1979, when followers of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini ousted the US-backed Shah Reza Pahlavi.
Our Shah of Iran pic.twitter.com/96e2z64WWR
— Pahlavi Support (@PahlaviSupport) February 8, 2016
When #Washington welcomed the #Shah of #Iran! #USA#JohnFKennedy#StateVisit#nostalgicpic.twitter.com/aiDgCnzDdj
— Iran Style (@Iran_Style) February 8, 2016
A 1953 coup overthrew Iran’s popular prime minister, Mohammed Mossadegh, and brought Pahlavi to power.
Iran: timeline to revolution
1953 – coup returns Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi to power
1953 to 1978 – Shah’s policy of modernisation (the ‘White Revolution’) alienates clergy and opposition
1979 (January) – Shah forced into exile.
1979 (February) – Ayatollah Khomeini
returns following 14 years exile in Iraq and France1979 (April) – Islamic Republic of Iran is proclaimed
1979 (November) – Islamic militants hold 52 US citizens hostage in the US embassy in Tehran. They demand the Shah be extradited from the US where he is having medical treatment
1980 (January) – Iran’s new government embarks on programme of nationlisation
1980 (July) – the exiled Shah dies in Egypt