Anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Iran Date in the current year: February 11, 2024

The Iranian Revolution, also known as the Islamic Revolution, began with demonstrations against Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Shah of Iran, in 1977. The demonstrations developed into a campaign of civil resistance, which intensified in January 1978. Strikes and demonstrations paralyzed the country in the second half of 1978. The Shah fled Iran on January 16, 1979, transferring his duties to a regency council and the opposition-based prime minister. His reign finally collapsed on February 11.

In order to prevent disorder and bloodshed, the provisional non-Islamist government declared itself neutral in the current political disputes and ordered military personnel back to their bases. The control was yielded to Rudollah Khomeini, the leader of the Iranian Revolution. Revolutionaries took over TV and radio stations, government buildings, and palaces of the Pahlavi dynasty, which marked the end of the 2500-year-old Persian monarchy.

The anniversary of the Islamic Revolution is a public holiday widely celebrated throughout Iran by military parades, firework displays, and other festive events sponsored by the government.