This is because any development in any system is realized by transforming foundations and structures. Culture, in the meantime, enjoys a unique status so that it is impossible to imagine a change in governing system without a change in governing culture.
Imam Khomeini’s New Year Message must be taken as a turning point in the history of cultural revolution.
Paragraph eleven of his message demands “revolutionizing all universities across the country”, “firing university professors linked to the East or West”, and “developing the universities into a safe environment for authoring and teaching higher Islamic sciences”.
Upon formal shutting of the universities in June, Imam Khomeini on June 12, 1980 issued a declaration for establishment of Cultural Revolution Headquarters. Part of his decree reads:
“It is for some time the need for cultural revolution – that is an Islamic issue requested by the Muslim nation – has been highlighted but little has been done in this regard. The Muslim nation, especially the faithful and dedicated university students are concerned about this. They have also expressed concerns on sabotage of the conspirators, instances of which raises its head now and then. The Muslim nation are worried the chance might be missed without any positive work, so that the culture might remain the same as in the past corrupt regime. During the past regime, this fundamentally important center had been put at the disposal of the colonial powers by uncultured and uneducated employers. Sustainability of this catastrophe that is the wish of some groups affiliated to foreign powers, will send a deadly shock throughout the Islamic Revolution and Islamic Republic of Iran. Any moderation in this vital issue is a grave treachery against Islam and against this Muslim country.”
In his decree, Imam Khomeini asked a number of professors at theological schools and universities to establish a headquarters and invite committed experts, Muslim professors, faithful employees and other personalities trusting in the Islamic Republic to lay the foundations of a council to make cultural policies and plans for the future of the universities in accordance with Islamic culture.
Shortly before the triumph of the Islamic Revolution (February 11, 1979) and before Imam Khomeini's victorious return to Iran from Paris, an Islamic Revolutionary Council was formed at the behest of the Imam. Ayatollah Khamenei was appointed as a member of this Council together with other important Islamic notables such Shahid Ayatollahs Motahhari and Beheshti.
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Imam Khomeini presided over final stages of Islamic revolution