Iran: What’s in a Name?

• Historically known as Persia until 1935, when Reza Shah Pahlavi asked for the country to be called by its native name

• Iran means “Land of the Aryans”• Persia derived from ancient Greek

name for Iran, Persis– Name comes from a region in southern

Iran called Pars

Location

• Asia: The Middle East• North: former Soviet Republics• South: Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman• East: Afghanistan, Pakistan• West: Turkey, Iraq

• Major Cities: Tehran, Tabriz, Mashhad, Esfahan, Shiraz

Map: The Persian Cat

The Geography of The Geography of IranIran

The Geography of The Geography of IranIran

Iranian Oil Iranian Oil ResourcesResourcesIranian Oil Iranian Oil ResourcesResources

Early History• 6,000 years of civilization and 2,500 years of

written history.• 1,400 years of post-Islamic history since the Arab

conquest in 7th century AD: religious and national subordination and never-ending conflict.

• Median Dynasty (728-550 BC): created first Iranian Empire

• Safavid Dynasty (1502-1736): conversion of population towards Shi’ism

• Qajar Dynasty (1781-1925): constitutional dynasty; British and Russian spheres of influence

History of Iran

• In 1921, an Iranian military officer took power claimed the old Persian title of “Shah”, or king.

• In 1941 the Shah’s son took control who was an ally to the United States and Britain. He also wanted to modernize Iran.

Iran and the Cold War

• During WWII, Iran was an ally of the Nazis.

• So the USSR and Britain invaded the country in 1942 in order to secure oil fields.

• Following WWII, the Soviet Union refused to leave Iran until 1946, when the United States threatened to invade Iran and remove the Soviets by force.

Pahlavi Dynasty (1925-1979)• Ruled Iran from the crowning of Reza

Shah Pahlavi in 1925 to the overthrow of Reza Shah Pahlavi's son Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in the Iranian Revolution of 1979.

• By the mid-1930s Reza Shah's dictatorial style of rule caused dissatisfaction among some groups

• Dynasty collapsed following widespread uprisings in 1978 and 1979.

• Its collapse marks a break in the ancient tradition of Iranian monarchy.

Dr. Mohammad Dr. Mohammad Mossadegh,Mossadegh,

(There are two (There are two spellings of his last spellings of his last

name…)Prime name…)Prime Minister of IranMinister of Iran

Dr. Mohammad Dr. Mohammad Mossadegh,Mossadegh,

(There are two (There are two spellings of his last spellings of his last

name…)Prime name…)Prime Minister of IranMinister of Iran

Became Prime Minister in 1951.

Nationalized the foreign oil companies.

Got rid of corrupt military officials.

Was toppled in a coup aided by the America CIA in 1953.

The Shah of Iran returns to power.

Q4

EVENT: 1953 CIA coup overthrew Mossadeq

• CIA and British intelligence (MI6) worked together to overthrow the popularly elected Iranian Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadeq

CAUSES: 1953 CIA coup overthrew Mossadeq

• Mossadeq nationalized (government controlling) the Iranian oil industry, shutting out the British oil companies who previously profited from it.

• When Britain boycotted (refused to buy) Iranian oil, Iran sold oil to the Soviet Union

• These moves made Mossadeq look like a Communist to American President Eisenhower (COLD WAR!)

• The CIA and MI6 (British Intelligence) plotted to overthrow Mossadeq

• (watch video)

EFFECTS: 1953 CIA coup overthrew Mossadeq

• Shah given more power in Iran, but became increasingly paranoid

• Shah began a program of modernization and westernization

• Shah was allied with the US, and the US supported the Shah

• Britain regained access to Iranian oil

On your Left Side, examine this picture and answer the question. Here’s a picture of the Shah having a drink with American President Carter. Think about this image. What would a devout Muslim in Iran think about it? Why?

• On your Left Side, answer:

• What do you think about the United States and CIA involvement in Iran? Why?

Shah Reza PahlaviShah Reza Pahlavi(r. 1941 – 1977)(r. 1941 – 1977)

Shah Reza PahlaviShah Reza Pahlavi(r. 1941 – 1977)(r. 1941 – 1977)

Institutes Western reforms & ties with the West .

But, the majority of his people live in poverty.

Brutal suppression of dissidents SAVAK

Q5

The Shah The Shah & His Wife, Farah& His Wife, Farah

The Shah The Shah & His Wife, Farah& His Wife, Farah

Iranian elite/upper- and intellectual classes: very pro-Western.

““The White The White Revolution”Revolution”

The Shah’s Reform Program (1963)The Shah’s Reform Program (1963)

““The White The White Revolution”Revolution”

The Shah’s Reform Program (1963)The Shah’s Reform Program (1963)1. Land reform – 90% of Iran’s peasants became land owners.

2. Massive government-financed heavy industry projects.

3. Granted women more political power – the right to vote.

4. Poured government money into education – especially in rural areas where illiteracy was very high.

5. Profit-sharing for industrial workers.6. Nationalization of forests and pasture

lands.

The Shah at George The Shah at George Washington’s Washington’s Home, Home, 1950s1950s

The Shah at George The Shah at George Washington’s Washington’s Home, Home, 1950s1950s

The Shah with The Shah with Several American Several American

PresidentsPresidents

The Shah with The Shah with Several American Several American

PresidentsPresidents

The Shah with The Shah with President Jimmy President Jimmy

CarterCarter

The Shah with The Shah with President Jimmy President Jimmy

CarterCarter

On your Left Side, answer:

• What aspects of the Shah’s rule violated the beliefs and practices of Islam?

• Why would these actions lead to the rise of Islamic Fundamentalism in Iran?

Iran: Iranian Revolution

• Unfortunately for Shah Reza PahlaviReza Pahlavi, the modernization programs were unpopular.

• In 1979, he was overthrown during

the Islamic

Revolution.

Reasons for the Reasons for the Fall of the ShahFall of the ShahReasons for the Reasons for the Fall of the ShahFall of the Shah

The Shah spent the oil profits for top of the line American military hardware.

Little money to reinvest back into the Iranian economy.

Religious leaders angry with the Shah for too much “Westernization.”

Government corruption. The Shah’s constitutional violations of the basic

human rights of his citizens.

CAUSES: 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran

• The Shah used violence, torture, and the SAVAK (secret police) to remain in power

• The economy worsened• Many Iranians wanted to

return to a democratic government

• The Shah’s reforms insulted devout Muslims

• Ayatollah Khomeini preached revolution in mosques (the “Cassette Revolution”)

Anti-Shah Anti-Shah ProtestsProtests

Anti-Shah Anti-Shah ProtestsProtests

Opponents of the Shah

1. Oil field workers

2. Students and other intellectuals

3. Middle class businessmen

4. Iranian nationalists

5. Muslim clerics (Cleric is a member of the clergy or religious figure in Islam; like a priest for Catholics or a rabbi for Jews.)

• On your Left Side,• Why do you think

each of these groups had issues with the Shah’s reign?

• Explain and give examples.

Anti-American PinAnti-American Pin(1960s)(1960s)

Anti-American PinAnti-American Pin(1960s)(1960s)

• On your Left Side, answer:

• What cause of the Iranian Revolution does this political button address?

Iranian Students Iranian Students Protest in Beverley Protest in Beverley

HillsHills

Iranian Students Iranian Students Protest in Beverley Protest in Beverley

HillsHills

Anarchy & Anarchy & RevolutionRevolutionAnarchy & Anarchy & RevolutionRevolution

The Shah leaves Iran on 1/16/79. Facing likely execution should he return to Iran, he died in exile in

Egypt, whose President, Anwar Sadat, had granted him asylum

The Shah leaves Iran on 1/16/79. Facing likely execution should he return to Iran, he died in exile in

Egypt, whose President, Anwar Sadat, had granted him asylum

Ayatollah KhomeiniAyatollah KhomeiniLeads the RevolutionLeads the RevolutionAyatollah KhomeiniAyatollah Khomeini

Leads the RevolutionLeads the Revolution

Khomeini returns to Iran

on February 11, 1979.

Q7

Islamic Revolution (1979)• Transformed Iran from a monarchy under Pahlavi dynasty to an

Islamic republic under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the revolution and founder of the Islamic Republic.

• It has been called the third great revolution in history• Helped make Islamic fundamentalism a political force • Constitution based on rule by Islamic jurists

– Khomeini—Supreme leader (lifetime appointment)– President—Head of the Government– Cabinet– Supreme Court– Legislation

Ayatollah Ayatollah KhomeiniKhomeini

(r. 1979-1989)(r. 1979-1989)

Ayatollah Ayatollah KhomeiniKhomeini

(r. 1979-1989)(r. 1979-1989) 1902 – 1989.

Became an Islamic scholar (studied in Qom).

Began to speak out against the Shah in the 1960s.

Arrested and imprisoned several times by the Shah.

Deported in 1978 & went to France.

EFFECTS: 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran

• Shah fled Iran, took his money with him!

• Ayatollah Khomeini returned to Iran

• Iran became an Islamic theocracy, ruled by Sharia Law

• The new government was anti-American (“The Great Satan”) and anti-Israeli

• Hostage crisis and the Iran-Iraq War

Triumphant Muslim Clerics & Triumphant Muslim Clerics & Iranian SoldiersIranian Soldiers

Triumphant Muslim Clerics & Triumphant Muslim Clerics & Iranian SoldiersIranian Soldiers

Q8A theocracy is

created!

SAVAK Suspects TakenSAVAK Suspects TakenSAVAK Suspects TakenSAVAK Suspects Taken

The Fate of the The Fate of the Shah’s GeneralsShah’s GeneralsThe Fate of the The Fate of the Shah’s GeneralsShah’s Generals

Iranian Revolutionary Poster

• The caption reads: When the devil leaves, the angel returns!

• On your Left Side: What changes does this poster specifically refer to? Explain.

On your Left Side,

•Design your own political button for in support of the changes made by the Ayatollah.

American Embassy American Embassy inin

Tehran Taken OverTehran Taken Over

American Embassy American Embassy inin

Tehran Taken OverTehran Taken Over

Q9

Iran: Takes American Hostages

• Iran’s new government set up an Islamic Republic.

• Relations with the United States broke down.

• In 1979, a mob of Iranian students took Americans hostage.

Iran: Takes American Hostages

• The Iranian government gave permission for the Americans to be taken hostage.

• The Americans were held by force for over 1 year.

52 Americans Held 52 Americans Held Hostage for 444 Hostage for 444

Days!Days!

52 Americans Held 52 Americans Held Hostage for 444 Hostage for 444

Days!Days!

On your Left Side:

• Imagine you were one of the hostages. What do you think was going to happen to you based upon the recent events of the Iranian Revolution?

• Explain.

President Carter President Carter Becomes a Hostage, Becomes a Hostage,

TooToo

President Carter President Carter Becomes a Hostage, Becomes a Hostage,

TooToo

Hostage Rescue Hostage Rescue DisasterDisaster

Hostage Rescue Hostage Rescue DisasterDisaster

52 American 52 American HostagesHostages

Released in Jan., Released in Jan., 19811981

52 American 52 American HostagesHostages

Released in Jan., Released in Jan., 19811981

EFFECTS: 1979 Iran Hostage Crisis

• Anti-Iranian feeling in US (sale of Iranian flags actually increased!)

• President Carter seen as having failed to gain release of hostages

• Conservative Republican President Ronald Reagan won 1980 Presidential election in US

• Hostages released on Reagan’s inauguration in exchange for $8 billion ($5 billion was used by Iran to pay debts to US anyway)

• Khomeini needed money with war against Iraq looming

1980s—strained time with US

• 52 U.S. diplomats held hostage by group of Iranian terrorists who took over American embassy in support of the Islamic revolution.

• 444 day hostage crisis ended in 1981• The incident was seen by many as a blow against

U.S. influence in Iran and its support of the recently fallen Shah of Iran, Pahlavi, who had recently been allowed into the United States for cancer treatment.

• In Iran, the crisis is thought to have strengthened the political hold of radical anti-American forces who supported the hostage taking.

• The crisis also marked the beginning of American legal action, or sanctions, that weakened economic ties between Iran and America.

The Khomeini RevolutionThe Khomeini RevolutionThe Khomeini RevolutionThe Khomeini Revolution

Women in IranWomen in IranWomen in IranWomen in Iran

A woman’s hijab A woman’s hijab represents her represents her

Islamic and moral Islamic and moral values.values.

A woman’s hijab A woman’s hijab represents her represents her

Islamic and moral Islamic and moral values.values.

Political Cartoon Political Cartoon CommentaryCommentary

Political Cartoon Political Cartoon CommentaryCommentary

The dictatorship is gone! The dictatorship is gone! Bring on the dictatorship!Bring on the dictatorship!The dictatorship is gone! The dictatorship is gone! Bring on the dictatorship!Bring on the dictatorship!

On your Left side:

What is the message of this political cartoon?Explain.

Support for the Support for the Palestinian CausePalestinian CauseSupport for the Support for the

Palestinian CausePalestinian Cause

The Ayatollah with

Yasir Arafat.

Funds Hamas and Hezbollah.

Iran

• The Iranian Revolution (1979) was followed by the Iraq/Iran War which began in 1980 (and discussed earlier in this presentation).

Khomeini’s Khomeini’s DeathDeath

(June, 1989)(June, 1989)

Khomeini’s Khomeini’s DeathDeath

(June, 1989)(June, 1989)

Iran: Government

Iran: Government

• Iran is a theocracy – a government ruled by religious leaders.

Iranian Supreme Leader Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali KhameneiAyatollah Ali KhameneiIranian Supreme Leader Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali KhameneiAyatollah Ali Khamenei

The Ayatollah represents the fundamentalist Mullahs.

Iran: Government

• An expert on Islamic law is the supreme leader.

Ayatollah Ayatollah KhatamiKhatamiAyatollah Ayatollah KhatamiKhatami

The Ayatollah is considered a political moderate.

Q12

Support for the Support for the Shi’ites in Iraq Shi’ites in Iraq

TodayToday

Support for the Support for the Shi’ites in Iraq Shi’ites in Iraq

TodayToday

Moqtada al-Sadr, radical Shi’ite leader in Fallujah,

Iraq

Iran: Government

• Iran has an elected president and legislature (chosen by the spiritual leader).

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Born 1956 Engineer, Party: Alliance of Builders of

Islamic Iran Elected mayor of Tehran in 2003 Won ~60% of the popular vote in 2005

presidential election Outspoken and often controversial for his

views on Israel, the US, Great Britain, and human rights

The Summer 2009 Elections (June 12)

Candidates Ahmadinejad and Mir-Hussein Mousavi receive 62% and 34% of the popular vote, respectively

Public outcry came against wide-spread accusations of voting irregularities

Video Commentary

– This link is one of a HUGE amount of material on this election available online. The elections were Tweeted, Facebooked, 24 hour news networked, commented, Wikied, Huffington Posted, and more!

– A little online digging goes a long way.

On your Left Side, answer:

CARTOON 1:

Is this cartoon in support of Ahmadinejad or Mousavi?

 

What does the cartoon suggest about the government in Iran?

On your Left Side, answer:Is this cartoon in support of Ahmadinejad or

Mousavi?

Who are the bearded men in black meant to symbolize?

What is the skeletal remains of the horse meant to represent?

What does the artist imply about the reform movement’s opinion of the United States?

On your Left Side, answer:

Is this cartoon in support of Ahmadinejad or Mousavi?

What does the cartoon suggest about the role of the Supreme Leader in the election?

Who or what is the “loser” according to the cartoon?

What does this cartoon imply about democracy in Iran?

Iran: Governmental Policies

• Iran’s government has supported many hard-line policies.

• For example: call for the destruction of Israel

• For example: supported terrorist groups

Another Nuclear Another Nuclear Power?Power?

Another Nuclear Another Nuclear Power?Power?

US satellite photo of Iranian nuclear facility

near Arak.

An American view of Iranian An American view of Iranian nuclear power: What nuclear power: What

children’s story is this political children’s story is this political cartoon playing off of?cartoon playing off of?

An American view of Iranian An American view of Iranian nuclear power: What nuclear power: What

children’s story is this political children’s story is this political cartoon playing off of?cartoon playing off of?

PINOCCHIAYATOLLAH Scott Stantis (Birmingham News)

1/28/05

A view of Iran’s A view of Iran’s nuclear power from nuclear power from

Al-JazeerahAl-Jazeerah

A view of Iran’s A view of Iran’s nuclear power from nuclear power from

Al-JazeerahAl-Jazeerah

Nobody else (particularly Iran and Arab countries) should have nuclear weapons

except Israel, says Bush. -- Hassan Bleybel 10/23/03

On your Left Side,

• What is the cartoonist’s main point or position in the following political cartoon?

• How do you know?

Iranian Demographics

• Population—nearly 70 million

• Life expectancy at birth—69 years

• Birth rate—17 per 1,000 persons

• Death rate—6 per 1,000 persons

• Literacy rate—72%

0-14 yrs15-29 yrs30-50 yrs60+ yrs

Persian Language (Iran)ڢارسى

• Also called “Farsi”

• Indo-European (Aryan)

• Dialects of Persian also spoken in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and among minorities in other states

• Arabic alphabet (with some differences) and some borrowed words from Arabic

Ethnicity and Religion

PersiansAzerisKurdsArabsOther

Shi'aMuslim(Islam)SunniMuslim(Islam)Other

• Although there are various sub-groups, the majority of Iranians would say their religion is Islam.

• The largest ethnic group in Iran is Persians, followed by Azeris.

Economy• Mixed System:

– Large and dominating public sector– Small private sector– Multinational corporations

• Structure:– Agriculture 24%– Industry 28%– Services 48%

• Major Exports: petroleum, carpets, nuts• Major Imports: capital goods, food items• Unemployment rate: 16% and rising

Another Future Another Future Revolution?Revolution?

Another Future Another Future Revolution?Revolution?

A Youth Powered Society

• Youth Demographic– Between 15-29 years old—25

million (35%)– Median age—26 years old– Legal voting age—16 years old

• Issue of high concern– High unemployment

Women in Iran

• Higher Education—65%• Changing Marriage and Child

Custody Laws– Shirin Edabi: Nobel Peace Prize 2003

• Professional life– Women in all aspects of work force– Inequality in senior and managerial jobs

Women and the Islamic Dress Code

A “Shah” in theA “Shah” in theWaiting?Waiting?

A “Shah” in theA “Shah” in theWaiting?Waiting?

Reza Pahlavi (III?), 43 year-old son of the deposed Shah.