How was the Islamic republic established?
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/rise-of-isis
http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2014/08/the-rise-of-isis
The establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran was a complex process that occurred during the Iranian Revolution in 1979. To understand how it was established, we can break it down into several key events:
1. Pahlavi Dynasty and Shah's Rule:
- The Pahlavi dynasty, under the leadership of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, ruled Iran since 1925.
- The Shah pursued a modernization and westernization policy known as the White Revolution. This policy faced opposition from traditional religious leaders and leftists who believed it undermined Iranian culture, religion, and sovereignty.
2. Socio-political Unrest:
- Dissatisfaction with the Shah's rule grew over the years due to factors such as political repression, economic inequality, and the perception of Western interference in Iranian affairs.
- Religious leaders, most notably Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, began emerging as prominent voices of dissent, attracting support from various groups within society, including students, intellectuals, and the working class.
3. Iranian Revolution:
- The revolution began in early 1978 with widespread protests and strikes demanding political reforms, freedom, and an end to the Shah's rule.
- The movement gained momentum, leading to large-scale demonstrations and clashes with security forces.
- As the revolution progressed, different groups with varying ideologies and objectives joined forces against the Shah.
4. Role of Ayatollah Khomeini:
- Ayatollah Khomeini, an influential Shia cleric, played a central role in organizing and leading the opposition against the Shah.
- Khomeini's message of an Islamic republic resonated with many Iranians who sought an alternative to the Shah's secular government.
- He published statements and declarations, which were circulated widely and fueled popular support for the establishment of an Islamic republic.
5. Overthrow of the Shah:
- The situation deteriorated rapidly in early 1979, with strikes, protests, and clashes continuing to escalate.
- In January 1979, the Shah left Iran temporarily, intending to quell the unrest and return. However, this created a political vacuum.
- Ayatollah Khomeini returned from exile to a hero's welcome in February 1979, and his arrival marked a turning point in the revolution.
- With the Shah's absence and loss of control over the military, the revolutionaries gained the upper hand.
6. Establishment of the Islamic Republic:
- After the Shah's departure, a national referendum was held in April 1979. The overwhelming majority of Iranians voted in favor of establishing an Islamic republic.
- This paved the way for the drafting of a new constitution that emphasized Islamic law as the basis for governance.
- In December 1979, a nationwide referendum approved the new constitution, officially establishing the Islamic Republic of Iran.
In summary, the Islamic Republic of Iran was established through a combination of popular protests, the leadership of Ayatollah Khomeini, the overthrow of the Shah's regime, and the subsequent adoption of a new constitution based on Islamic principles.