Historical Events tagged with "khomeini"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Politics & Government

Ali Khamenei Elected as Supreme Leader

June 4th, 1989 35 years ago

Following the death of Ruhollah Khomeini, Ali Khamenei was elected as the new Supreme Leader of Iran. The election took place during a period of national mourning after Khomeini's funeral, where Khamenei was chosen to succeed the influential leader who had shaped the Islamic Republic's formation and policies since 1979. Khamenei’s election marked a significant transition in Iran's leadership and continued the theocratic governance established by Khomeini.

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Politics & Government

Diplomatic Relations Break Over Rushdie's Novel

March 7th, 1989 36 years ago

Tensions escalated between Iran and the United Kingdom after the publication of Salman Rushdie's controversial novel, 'The Satanic Verses.' The Iranian government publicly condemned the book for its perceived blasphemy, leading to the UK severing diplomatic ties. This decision reflected deeper cultural and political rifts that strained relations between the two nations. The UK’s stance on freedom of expression was challenged by Iran’s response, illustrating the complexities of cultural sensitivity in international affairs.

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Religion & Philosophy

Khomeini's Fatwa Against Salman Rushdie

February 14th, 1989 36 years ago

Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of Iran, issued a fatwa encouraging Muslims to kill Salman Rushdie, the author of 'The Satanic Verses'. This decree came as a response to the book's perceived blasphemy against Islam. Khomeini's fatwa incited global protests, threats against Rushdie’s life, and heightened tensions regarding freedom of expression and religious sensitivity.

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Military & Warfare

Iraq Invades Iran, Initiating Prolonged Conflict

September 22nd, 1980 44 years ago

The Iran-Iraq War began when Iraq, led by President Saddam Hussein, launched a military invasion of Iran. This offensive was part of Hussein's ambition to assert control over the Shatt al-Arab waterway and to exploit perceived instability in Iran following its 1979 revolution. The invasion quickly escalated into a full-scale war, resulting in significant casualties and territorial disputes that would last for nearly eight years.

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Politics & Government

Iran Adopts New Holy Flag After Revolution

July 29th, 1980 44 years ago

Following the Islamic Revolution in Iran, a new flag was officially adopted to reflect the country's new Islamic identity. The design prominently features the phrase 'Allahu Akbar' (God is the Greatest), underscoring the theological shift in governance and the socio-political landscape. This flag symbolized the changes taking shape in Iranian society and its new direction under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's leadership.

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Politics & Government

Implementation of Sharia Law in Iran

July 7th, 1980 44 years ago

The Iranian government enacted Sharia law, establishing Islamic legal principles based on Quranic texts and Hadith. This implementation followed the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which aimed to eliminate Western influence and establish an Islamic state under the leadership of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. The new legal system redefined various aspects of Iranian society, from family law to criminal justice, and was characterized by strict regulations governing personal and public behavior, prioritizing Islamic morals over secular laws.

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Politics & Government

Khomeini's Decision on American Hostages

February 23rd, 1980 45 years ago

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini announced that Iran's parliament would determine the fate of the American embassy hostages. This declaration heightened tensions between Iran and the United States following the 1979 Iranian Revolution, particularly as the hostages had been held since November 1979. The announcement came amidst ongoing negotiations and public outcry regarding the treatment of the hostages, who were political pawns in a larger struggle over U.S.-Iran relations.

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Politics & Government

Khomeini Orders Release of American Hostages

November 19th, 1979 45 years ago

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini ordered the release of 13 American hostages held in the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, following a tumultuous period marked by the Iranian Revolution and tensions with the United States. This directive targeted female and black American hostages specifically, reflecting an effort to project a sense of moderation amidst ongoing strife. The hostages had been part of a larger group taken captive during the embassy takeover that began in November of 1979. Their release marked a rare moment of goodwill and was celebrated by various factions within Iran.

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Politics & Government

Iranian Revolution Officially Establishes Islamic Republic

April 1st, 1979 45 years ago

A referendum resulted in a 99% approval for Iran to become an Islamic Republic, leading to the formal dismissal of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s regime. The vote demonstrated overwhelming support for the revolutionary leaders, particularly Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who had emerged as a central figure in the opposition. This swift transition exemplified the public's desire for change and indicated a clear rejection of Western influence in governance and the monarchy.

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