Iran's Islamic Revolution

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini shortly before leaving Paris on February 1, 1979 (Fars) - The return of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini to Iran marked a turning point in a revolutionary period of Iranian politics. Dissatisfaction with the regime of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi had been growing throughout the decade.

1 Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini shortly before leaving Paris on February 1, 1979 (Fars) - The return of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini to Iran marked a turning point in a revolutionary period of Iranian politics. Dissatisfaction with the regime of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi had been growing throughout the decade.

Khomeini returns to Tehran (Fars) - Born in May 1900, by the time of the revolution, Khomeini had become the focus of Islamist opposition to the shah.In 1963, when the shah granted the vote to women and introduced other reforms, Khomeini declared it was the "destruction of Islam" in the country.

2 Khomeini returns to Tehran (Fars) - Born in May 1900, by the time of the revolution, Khomeini had become the focus of Islamist opposition to the shah.In 1963, when the shah granted the vote to women and introduced other reforms, Khomeini declared it was the "destruction of Islam" in the country.

It was a triumphant return from exile (Fars) - In November 1964, Khomeini was arrested and sent into exile. Most of the 14 years he spent abroad were passed in the Iraqi city of Al-Najaf. But in 1978, Iraq's Saddam Hussein expelled him and he moved to France.

3 It was a triumphant return from exile (Fars) - In November 1964, Khomeini was arrested and sent into exile. Most of the 14 years he spent abroad were passed in the Iraqi city of Al-Najaf. But in 1978, Iraq's Saddam Hussein expelled him and he moved to France.

Khomeini greets supporters (Fars) - During his exile, Khomeini developed the theory of Islamic government, one headed by a leading Islamic jurist. He argued for complete adherence to Shari'a, Islamic law.

4 Khomeini greets supporters (Fars) - During his exile, Khomeini developed the theory of Islamic government, one headed by a leading Islamic jurist. He argued for complete adherence to Shari'a, Islamic law.

Behind Khomeini (in glasses) is Sadegh Khalkhali, known as "the hanging judge," who was put in charge of the revolutionary courts (Fars) - In the late 1970s, several events brought Khomeini to attention as the center of opposition in Iran. The popular and moderate Islamist Ali Shariati died (allegedly killed by the shah's secret police), removing a potential rival. In October 1979, Khomeini's son, Mustafa, died and was proclaimed a "martyr" by the opposition.

5 Behind Khomeini (in glasses) is Sadegh Khalkhali, known as "the hanging judge," who was put in charge of the revolutionary courts (Fars) - In the late 1970s, several events brought Khomeini to attention as the center of opposition in Iran. The popular and moderate Islamist Ali Shariati died (allegedly killed by the shah's secret police), removing a potential rival. In October 1979, Khomeini's son, Mustafa, died and was proclaimed a "martyr" by the opposition.

Tehran residents flocking to greet Khomeini (Fars) - In January 1978, the first major demonstration against the shah occurred in the religious center of Qom. Several demonstrators were killed when security forces broke up the demonstration. Further major protests were held in February, March, and May. On December 2, some 2 million people turned out in Tehran.

6 Tehran residents flocking to greet Khomeini (Fars) - In January 1978, the first major demonstration against the shah occurred in the religious center of Qom. Several demonstrators were killed when security forces broke up the demonstration. Further major protests were held in February, March, and May. On December 2, some 2 million people turned out in Tehran.

Khomeini with his son, Ahmad (left), on February 1, 1979 (Fars) - On January 16, 1979, the shah and his wife fled Iran. Prime Minister Shapur Bakhtiar invited Khomeini to return and set up an unspecified religious entity in Qom.

7 Khomeini with his son, Ahmad (left), on February 1, 1979 (Fars) - On January 16, 1979, the shah and his wife fled Iran. Prime Minister Shapur Bakhtiar invited Khomeini to return and set up an unspecified religious entity in Qom.

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini on his return to Tehran from Paris, 01Feb1979 (Fars) - Millions of Iranians turned out the greet Khomeini when he arrived in Tehran on February 1, 1979. He had already acquired for many a semi-divine status.

8 Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini on his return to Tehran from Paris, 01Feb1979 (Fars) - Millions of Iranians turned out the greet Khomeini when he arrived in Tehran on February 1, 1979. He had already acquired for many a semi-divine status.

Khomeini gave his first speech in Iran at Tehran's Behesht Zahra Cemetery (Fars)) - Tens of thousands gathered to hear Khomeini's first speech in a Tehran cemetery. He rejected Bakhtiar's government and appointed his own interim prime minister, Mehdi Bazargan. He declared that opposition to him was a "revolt against God."

9 Khomeini gave his first speech in Iran at Tehran's Behesht Zahra Cemetery (Fars)) - Tens of thousands gathered to hear Khomeini's first speech in a Tehran cemetery. He rejected Bakhtiar's government and appointed his own interim prime minister, Mehdi Bazargan. He declared that opposition to him was a "revolt against God."

Khomeini at the Behesht Zahra Cemetery (Fars) - In December 1979, a national referendum endorsed a constitution drafted with Khomeini's approval. Khomeini was made head of state and supreme leader for life.

10 Khomeini at the Behesht Zahra Cemetery (Fars) - In December 1979, a national referendum endorsed a constitution drafted with Khomeini's approval. Khomeini was made head of state and supreme leader for life.

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Iran's Islamic Revolution