43 years ago this day, millions of Iranians flocked to Tehran's Mehrabad Airport to welcome the late founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini back to the country after 14 years of exile.
Ever since, Iranians have celebrated the occasion every year for ten days. The event starts on the anniversary of Imam Khomeini's homecoming and culminates on the anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution.
This period is called Dahe Fajr, or the 10-day dawn. As with every year, the ceremonies began with a visit by Leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei to Imam Khomeini's mausoleum. The mausoleum also hosted state officials and people from all walks of life to mark the occasion.
The Islamic Revolution was led by Imam Khomeini, who spent some 14 years in exile in Iraq, Turkey and France; from where he led a swelling grassroots movement which ultimately led to the toppling of former Iranian monarch, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.
The Revolution was driven by anti-imperialist sentiments, since Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was believed to be heavily dependent on western powers, especially the US. Less than two months after the victory of the Islamic Revolution, Iranians took part in a referendum, where more than 98 percent of eligible voters voted ‘yes’ to the Islamic Republic as a new political system.
To Iranians, the 10-day dawn period is reminiscent of their struggle for independence; a legacy that they are not willing to give up, even if it means they have to endure US sanctions. Now one of the goals of holding such massive celebrations is to pass on these messages to new generations.
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