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This is the official religion of Iran

Highly practiced by it's population; ~90-95%

What is it?

This sector is Islam focuses on the teachings of Ali (who is the son-in-law of the prophet Muhammad) - A core belief is that only descendents of Muhammad should lead society

Another core belief: The return of the imam (prophet) Muhammad al-Mahdi al-Hujjah

Socio-Political Impact

Shi'i Clergy

Dominant force since the 1979 revolution

Political Ideas: many status-based honorifics and titles unique to the Islamic world

Clearly defined in the Iranian constitution as official religion; makes country an Islamic republic

Safavid Conversion

Early in history, practicers of Safavid Islam converted to Shia Islam in 1501 (led by Ismail I)

Connection to the Iranian Revolution (1977-1979)

Iran's monarchy replaced with an Islamic republic led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini

Ideology: (Khomeini) Shia Islam supported revolt against tyranny and injustice and that Muslims should reject the influence of communism and liberal capitalism

Caused by current leaders' secularization and modernization efforts

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After the revolution, the government anyone who opposed the Islamic regime like leftists, intellectuals, secularists, and anyone with association with the Shah regime (dissidents and activists). Many were taken as prisoners and were arrested, tortured, and executed during this period. Intellectuals were also targeted for their views and lifestyle choices because they were incompatible. The Islamic Republic worked to maintain control and eliminate oppression. Marjane has personal experiences with family members who are political prisoners, with their imprisonment and execution, and her parents were involved as activists (leading to close calls and danger). Through this, she becomes more exposed to the political reality.

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Causes:

Revolt/uprising as a response to the Shah's (leader's) pro-Western secular/modernization-based policies

Supported across society by many different groups (e.g. Islamists, secularists, lower-class workers, ethnic minorities, and pro-Iran nationalists)

Key Events:

Massive protests

Led by Ayatollah Khomeini (he was a Shi'i religious leader) - BUT he was exiled and living in Paris

Main actions: demonstrations, strikes, boycotts, and the establishment of optimistic institutions

Results:

Overthrow of the Shah's authoritarian government (Feb. 11, 1979)

Khomeini became the Supreme Leader of Iran

The Islamic Republic of Iran established

Impact (Later Consequences):

Iran hostage crisis (~50 Americans taken hostage in Tehran from US embassy), Iran–Iraq War (began soon after war based on country-to-country tensions), US increase of military presence in Iran

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It was caused by a combination of territorial disputes, ideological differences, and Hussien's desire to expand Iraq's influence.

Iraq initially had some advantages because they were able to capture parts of Khuzestan and launch attacks on cities like Khorramshahr. Later into the war, Iran was able to counterattack and push Iraqi forces back and reclaim their territory. Even later in the war, trench warfare was used causing both sides to suffer massive casualties. Iran also used human wave attacks while Iraq employed chemical weapons, making it even more detrimental. Oil tankers in the Gulf were also targeted by both sides, causing it to involve more countries and become more international. It eventually ended in a stalemate because both sides were exhausted and had huge death tolls. There was no clear victor.

There were many Iranian casualties. More than 250,000 soldiers and civilians died. It also damaged their economy because it disrupted their oil exports and harmed their infrastructure. Many families were torn apart and trauma was widespread across the population. It also led to the reinforcement of the Islamic Republic's control which led to more nationalism and a culture focused on sacrifice. Iran was also more isolated because major powers like the U.S supported Iraq.

Iran had very limited support from other countries, really only from the Soviet Union and Syria. Most major global powers supported Iraq, like U.S and most Arab states. Many were interested in the country's oil.

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Marjane Satrapi - Biographical Information

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Marjane Satrapi - Biographical Information

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Birth and Upbringing:

Born 1969, in Rasht, Iran (near the Caspian Sea)

Mother - clothing designer, Father - engineer, only child

Attended the Lycee Francais in Tehran

Impact of the Iranian War:

Following the revolution, her family's modern/secular/Western behavior drew the attention of Iranian authorities (clashing beliefs)

She was sent to Austria (by her family) in 1984 for education

Returned to Iran in 1988 (age of 19) to study art

Later Career:

Moved back to Europe in 1993 (to Paris)

Books written; Persepolis, Persepolis 2, Embroideries, and several children's books

Illustrations: featured in The New Yorker and The New York Times, plus other newspapers/magazines

Film; animated film version of Persepolis

Personal Beliefs: Education>Weapons/Military (political)

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It helps describe the repression and censorship many people experienced after the war. It also shows the Iran-Iraq war from a child's perspective, showing how it impacted many.

The word Persepolis can also connect to Iran's ancient Persian roots. It helps represent the Achaemenid Empire and its many achievements, as it's the name of the empire's capital. Its use as a title helps show the difference between modern Iran and its past before Islam. It shows the importance of Iran's cultural identity.

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Women's Rights and Gender Roles in Iran 

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Women's Rights and Gender Roles in Iran 

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Women's Rights and Status Before and After the Iranian Revolution

Before:

Modernization policies of the Shah

Legal Rights- right to vote (granted in 1963), work outside the home, attend universities (granted in 1970), hold jobs in various professions, and participate in public life.

Family Law- The Family Protection Law (1967) improved a woman's right to marry and divorce. This limited polygamy and a man making the unilateral decision to divorce their wife. However, women's rights were limited in marriage with inheritance and child custody.

Dress Code-Women in urban areas were not required to wear a hijab. They could dress in Western-style clothing including skirts and dresses.

Education and Work- women had access to education and were becoming more involved in the workforce. However, they still experienced societal expectations and criticism for leaving the home. They were underrepresented in many fields.

After:

Political Participation- women were still allowed to participate in politics and vote. However, women's rights activists were silenced and prosecuted after fighting inequality before the war.

Family Law- The Islamic Republic replaced the Family Protection Law with the Islamic Family Code (based on Shia). Now, men could again decide to divorce their wives unilaterally, child custody laws favored fathers, and men had no restrictions on polygamy.

Education and Work- women were still allowed to work and attend university, however, jobs and schools became more gender segregated. They were restricted to working "appropriate" jobs such as nurses and teachers.

Dress Code- after the revolution, the Mandatory Hijab Law took effect right away. All women, regardless of religion or ethnicity are required to wear a hijab in public. The modest, traditional dress was also more enforced.

Significance and Symbolism of the Veil:

-The hijab becomes a powerful symbol of oppression and resistance. Its significance lies in identity and culture. The hijab itself symbolizes the Islamic Republic's control over women. To resist the Republic, Islamic women began not wearing their headscarves in public to challenge the power of the government and its oppressive laws against them.

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Iranian Education System and Youth Culture

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Iranian Education System and Youth Culture

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Before the Revolution:

Westernized-Curriculum-students were exposed to Western science, literature, and philosophy. There was an immense focus on science and technology as Iran sought to become a modern, industrialized nation.

Access to Education-Education became more accessible during the Shah's rule and literacy rates increased. Both boys and girls would attend the same classes.

Youth Culture:

Westernization-many young Iranian's adopted western fashion, music, and attitudes. Modern art and technology was seen as a symbol for progress.

Youth Activism-before and during the war, some youth were active in resisting the regime and participated in leftist protests.

Social Class and Gender Roles-weathlier families had access to better education, girls were stilled encouraged to become good wives and mothers, and boys were expected to focus on a career and public life. Additionally, roles for women began to expand in the workforce, public life, and their persuit of higher education.

After the Revolution:

Islamic Curriculum-education transitioned from western curriculums to Islamic curriculums; meant to instill the youth with Islamic values. Their purpose was also to create loyalty to the new regime.

Gender Seperation-boys and girls attended separate classes to enforce gender roles. This gender segregation made boys and girls subject to restricted behaviors and teachings.

Youth Culture:

Western Influence- the new regime wanted to eliminate western and modern influences from education and cultural life. Many teachers who were considered "westernized" were often imprisoned or silenced.

Religious and Social Constraints- hijab was mandatory in public spaces (including schools). Girl's classes also focused more on the importance of obedience, modesty, and gender roles.

Challenges and opportunities faced by young people in Iran:

-the freedom to express and explore yourself through fashion and art. (mandatory hijabs)

-Gender segregation in schools instilled different values in young people aiming to promote loyalty to the new government (using traditional Islamic values to separate boys and girls and their roles in society).

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Western Influence:

Shah's policies enacted modernization efforts. For example, the "White Revolution" aimed to economically and socially modernize Iran.

The adoption of Western clothes, style, media (movies, music), and lifestyle. Many fashion trends were embraced such as jeans, dresses, and hairstyles.

Iran's economy became more closely tied with the US as consumer culture became prevalent in Iran's society-especially those of the upper class.

Cultural Tensions:

Many Iranians, especially religious leaders, believed that embracing Western culture intoxicated Iranian society. That it was corrupting them and taking away from their true culture's identity.

Every woman was now required to wear a headscarf in public regardless of their religion. This oppressive law made women feel stripped of their identity and/or weakened by the new government through their control of women.