AhlulBayt News Agency: February 1 marks the historic return of Imam Khomeini, the great Founder of the Islamic Republic, to Iran after 14 years of exile. This return set the stage for an unprecedented popular movement that culminated in the Islamic Revolution—a historic event unmatched in recent centuries.
The Iranian Islamic Revolution is considered the most significant and largest revolution in the second half of the 20th century. Its victory represented the realization of the will of a great nation to achieve independence and dignity and to free itself from the domination of imperial powers at a time when the world was divided between the two superpowers of East and West.
The Iranian people’s revolution, under the slogan “Neither East nor West” and led by Imam Khomeini (God bless his soul), achieved victory on 22 Bahman 1357 (February 11, 1979).
From February 1–11, 1979, a series of transformative events in Iran led to the overthrow of the corrupt monarchy. These ten decisive days disrupted the calculations of the Shah’s regime and its supporters, including the United States. The Shah’s attempt to prevent Imam Khomeini’s return to Iran on February 1 failed, and Imam Khomeini established a provisional government. Employees in critical sectors, such as the oil industry, declared their solidarity with the popular revolutionary uprising, while the Regency Council was dissolved and martial law orders were nullified by Imam Khomeini. Massive public demonstrations filled the streets, and on February 8, a historic pledge of allegiance was made by a group of Air Force personnel to Imam Khomeini. These pivotal developments collectively ensured the triumph of the Islamic Revolution.
The Islamic Revolution of Iran, led by Imam Khomeini (God bless his soul), is incomparable to any other revolution in terms of its political, economic, social, and cultural dimensions. In fact, aside from the Islamic Revolution, no other revolution has possessed the defining characteristics and elements of a true revolution—encompassing the beliefs and values of an entire society and involving the participation of all social classes.
Imam Khomeini, who was fully aware of the political, cultural, and social conditions of Iranian society during the height of the movement and beforehand, considered the most important factor for victory and the key to success to be a “divine transformation” that had taken place in the spirit of the people. Under such circumstances, the populace was spiritually transformed by the Imam’s words and, with faith in God Almighty, they feared nothing from the oppressive monarchy and stood courageously against the regime.
The return of Imam Khomeini (God bless his soul) on February 1, 1979 and the ultimate victory of the Islamic Revolution on February 11, 1979 mark two decisive milestones in modern Iranian history. These ten days not only signaled the beginning and culmination of a popular movement against the oppressive monarchical regime, but also ushered in a new chapter in the social, political, and cultural life of the Iranian nation.
The historic reception of Imam Khomeini by millions of people reflected the faith and solidarity of the populace and the deep bond between religious leadership and the collective will of society. The 1979 Islamic Revolution was not merely a political change in the structure of government; it represented a cultural, ethical, and intellectual revolution that influenced all aspects of individual and social life. Its victory reflected the faith, unity, and determination of a nation that, relying on divine values, human dignity, and national independence, chose to rebuild its future.
From a historical perspective, the Islamic Revolution succeeded in changing the image of Iran in the world. It inspired other nations in Asia, Africa, and West Asia, demonstrating that faith and awareness could challenge even the greatest powers. Many subsequent liberation movements drew lessons from Iran’s example, adopting similar values such as independence, justice, and resistance in their own struggles.
The impact of the Islamic Revolution continues to this day. The revolution not only transformed the country’s political structure but also revitalized a spirit of self-reliance, resilience, and scientific growth among the Iranian people. The 10-Day and the days commemorating the victory of the revolution provide an opportunity to reflect on these values, ensuring that new generations understand that what has kept Iran proud and independent is the faith, unity, and aspirations of its people.
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