The more significant a historical event is, the more glorious its commemoration will be. February 11, 1979, was the day when the Islamic Revolution of Iran, one of the greatest revolutions in history, attained victory. Regarding it, Imam Khomeini, the leader of the Revolution, said, “Our Revolution was an explosion of light.” Additionally, while referring to the significant days of the Islamic Revolution as “Yawmullah” (The Days of God), he emphasized, “The greatness and glory of the Islamic Revolution in the world are due to divine blessings.”
Some of the most important events that took place on February 11, 1979, were the confiscation of radio and television stations, the capturing of military and security agents affiliated with the Pahlavi regime, as well as SAVAK officers by the people. In addition, the Israeli embassy in Tehran located on Kakh Street (Palestine Street) was taken over. The revolutionaries, after taking over, placed a green placard on its entrance reading “Palestine”. In addition to the this one, another one was placed which read, “Israel is destined for destruction. Palestine will win.”
Since the victory of the Islamic Revolution, the people of Iran celebrate and commemorate this event every year by holding nationwide processions on February 11. These processions are, in fact, a manifestation of the national unity of the Iranian people.
The struggle during the Islamic Revolution was a massive undertaking, wherein demonstrations, processions, speeches, leaflets, and placards were the most significant components. Imam Khomeini was the one who conveyed the message of the Revolution, and the recipients were the people. People, inspired and aroused by the statements of Imam Khomeini, would hold and participate in demonstrations. Therefore, the most crucial communication tool during the Islamic Revolution was the people’s demonstrations and processions, whose mottos and slogans were derived from Imam Khomeini’s words and statements, with the fundamental theme being “Independence, Freedom, and the Islamic Republic”.
After the victory of the Islamic Revolution, efforts were made to symbolically employ the same mottos, symbols, and specific communicative language that was used during that period. This was achieved by organizing an annual symbolic movement. So, on February 11 every year, people use the communicative language of marches and processions, and use flags, placards, and slogans as a means to symbolize the victory of the Islamic Revolution. Undoubtedly, expressing protest through holding demonstrations is an important symbol of the struggles undertaken for the Islamic Revolution.
Every year, many foreign journalists from different parts of the world cover the anniversary of the Revolution’s victory. The international coverage of this event significantly influences public opinion throughout the world. This anniversary allows others to witness the unity and resistance of the Iranian nation, as well as the preservation of the ideals of the Islamic Revolution. In fact, this form of communication signifies to the world, as the recipient of the message of the Islamic Revolution, that the Iranian nation, which stood up against the Pahlavi regime through holding demonstrations, still employs the same method against all forms of oppression and arrogance. In other words, in the face of the extensive media campaigns waged by the enemies, who allocate significant budgets to their satellite networks and launch psychological warfare against the Islamic Republic through the media, the Iranian people have chosen this political-propaganda approach and constantly demonstrate their steadfastness on the path of the Revolution by participating in the February 11 processions every year. This form of political propaganda is considered legitimate and acceptable due to its religious, ethical, sound, and positive nature, while also enjoying popular support and participation.
From the very beginning of the movement, i.e., June 5, 1963, the people of Iran have been active and never stopped supporting the Revolution and Islam. Therefore, the February 11 ceremonies are organized by people from different walks of life. Imam Khomeini always emphasized the commemoration of February 11 as a Day of God, describing it as the day of triumph of faith over disbelief and tyranny. He thus stated, “The 11th of February should remain as a moral lesson for us, throughout our lives, and for our future generations, who should also preserve this victory of Allah over tyranny, and Islam and faith over disbelief. We must always hold it important. Let us honor this day on which God Almighty favored our nation and graced it with unity and victory.” Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, has also said regarding February 11, “The demonstrations held on this day are unique in the world. There is no other country in the world where such massive demonstrations are held in both big and small cities. This is specific to the people of Iran”.
It is clear that the Islamic Revolution in Iran has left a lasting impact not only within the country, but also on a global scale. The unity and resilience of the Iranian people and their deep connection with the Revolution’s ideals have made it a unique and powerful phenomenon that continues to thrive, as expressed by scholars, politicians, and media outlets. Michel Foucault, the French philosopher, described the Islamic Revolution as the first postmodern revolution of the present era and the most modern form of uprising. He states, “The personality of Ayatollah Khomeini defies description. No head of state or political leader, even with the support of all the media in his country, could claim to have such a personal and powerful relationship with his people.” Fidel Castro, the former leader of Cuba, has also said, “The Islamic Revolution of Iran, while relying on people and its religious nature, has the capacity to withstand all conspiracies. I have no concerns about the stability of this country. I admire the revolutionary positions of the Islamic Republic of Iran and acknowledge the legitimacy of these positions.”
Archive of The History of the Islamic Revolution
leave your comments