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 Key biographical information that contributes to the graphic memoir.

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 Key biographical information that contributes to the graphic memoir.

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She came from an upper-middle-class family that was involved in politics in Iran in the 70s. This childhood exposed her to different political views. She describes how the Iranian revolution changed society. Even though she was 10 when the revolution happened, she struggled to understand these changes. She describes her experiences with the war, and how it affects her country and society during the 80s.

The influence of her family affected how she viewed the war, and she opposed the regime. At the age of 14, her family sent her to Austria for her safety and education. She struggled with the culture shock in Europe. She returned to Iran for a bit but struggled with the oppression and decided to leave for good in her 20s.

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The Islamic Revolution in Iran (1978-1979)

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The Islamic Revolution in Iran (1978-1979)

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CAUSES

The Shah had close ties with Western powers, especially the US. Rapid westernization and modernization led to a lot opposition of, especially among the clergy and traditionalists.

Rapid industrialization and an uneven distribution of wealth caused by economic unfairness. This resulted in a lot of unemployment, inflation, and discontent among the lower and middle classes.

The Shah's regime, supported by the SAVAK which was the secret police suppressed political discontent. This caused a lot of frustration with the lack of political freedom.

Ayatollah Khomeini rose to power as the first Supreme Leader of Iran. He became a vocal critic of the Shah’s secular policies, advocating for an Islamic government, which got a lot of support from religious conservatives and the working class.

MAJOR EVENTS

Beginning in January 1978, many large-scale protests escalated throughout the year. Strikes destroyed the economy, especially the oil industry.

In January 1979, the Shah was exiled from Iran. This was a turning point in the revolution.

In February of 1979, Ayatollah Khomeini, who had been in exile, returned to Iran and lead the revolution. He became the symbolic and actual leader of the movement.

By February 11, 1979, the monarchy had collapsed. Khomeini and his supporters took power, establishing an Islamic republic.

OUTCOMES

The Islamic public of Iran was created. Khomeini was the Supreme Leader, and Islamic law was integrated into the government.

Western influence was completely cut out in Iran. Ties were cut with the US.

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Before the revolution: Women had some rights, such as the right to vote, education, and could work.

The Shah regime promoted Westernization and women became more active in public

Post Revolution: Rights stripped away, family laws went back to male authority when it came to marriage and divorce, and public life shifted back to be more traditional with things like strict dress code

Significance of the Veil (Hijab)

For some it symbolized cultural heritage and choice, while for others it symbolized oppression and loss of freedom

The mandatory wearing of the Veil was a political move to enforce Islamic values and control women's bodies

The Veil symbolized resistance in the book

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Central to Shia belief is the concept of the Imamate, the leadership role of the Imams, whom Shia Muslims regard as divinely appointed successors to the Prophet Muhammad.

A significant event in Shia Islam is the martyrdom of Imam Hussein.

Shia Muslims engage in Mourning rituals during Muraham to honor Imam Hussein.

Themes of sacrifice and martyrdom are important in Persian literature.

Iran’s Shia identity influences its foreign policy, promoting Shia solidarity across the region.

The Iranian Revolution emerged from widespread dissatisfaction with the rule of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi. Ayatollah Khomeini became the face of the revolution. Various groups united to overthrow the government.

Following the revolution, Iran transitioned from a monarchy to an Islamic Republic under Khomeini's leadership.

The concept of Vilayat-e Faqih allowed religious leaders to exercise political power.

After the revolution, the Islamic Republic put into practice a cultural revolution to align education and cultural production with Islamic values.

The rise of Islamic fundamentalism in Iran significantly contributed to conflicts and sectarian divisions, between Shia and Sunni communities(the two forms of Islam).

Post-Revolutionary Fundamentalism promoted a specific interpretation of Islam that emphasized political activism and anti-Western sentiment, which became central to its identity.

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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, education was heavily influenced by Western ideals with a secular curriculum with a focus on science, technology, and modern subjects. However after the revolution, the education system was changed to align with Islamic values. The curriculum included religious instruction, many Western influences were removed, and education became more centralized and state-controlled to emphasize Islamic ideology. However due to the political upheaval, quality and resources in education went down.

Many young people faced restrictions on freedom of expression, including the censorship of literature and art. Some became active in advocating for their righthand freedoms, often using the censored art and literature to express dissent. However many of them also faced an identity crisis as they were pulled between western and cultural pressures.

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The Shah, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi promoted rapid modernization and Westernization. He created a "White Revolution" where he introduced reforms in education, land distribution, and women’s rights, aligning Iran more closely with Western cultural and economic models. Iran created military and economic ties to the US. A rift grew between the elites who supported the westernization and conservative religious groups who saw Western influence as a threat to Iran’s cultural and religious identity.

Modernization promoted idea such as secular governance, women's rights, and industrialization. These conflicted with Iran’s deeply rooted Islamic and cultural values, especially among the religious and rural populations. There was also a clash between cultures. Western ideals promoted individualism, consumerism, and secularism, while Iran emphasized community, Islamic moral codes, and traditional family structures. Religious leaders opposed the secularization of Iran. Iranians felt that they were losing their national identity and culture, causing resentment.

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Reasons

Territorial disputes

Political tensions. The Iran revolution alarmed Iraq

Iraqi Nationalism. Saddam Hussein(leader of the revolution in Iraq) believed he could easily win over a weakened post-revolution Iran.

Key Battles

Initial Invasion in 1980

Stalemate soon developed with trench warfare

Use of chemical weapons by Iran

Final offensive in 1988, UN brokered a cease fire, which left both nations exhausted

Impact on Iranian Population

Human cost, economic devastation, societal changes (women in more traditional roles), and displacement

Role of Foreign powers

The US, Soviet Union, and other Arab countries provided support for Iraq

The US believed the war could contain the Iranian Revolution

Limited support for Iran, their isolation after the revolution contributed to its struggles

The US and their allies' support for Iraq set a precedent for future interventions in the region

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The new Islamic regime after the revolution cracked down on dissent and imprisoned, tortured, and executed anyone perceived as a threat to the regime. They made a strict censorship on media and literature as to control the narrative and outcome of the revolution. Many people were afraid due to surveillance, that saying the wrong thing would lead to consequences.

Marjane's family was politically active with her grandfather being a former prince and prisoner under the Shah. Her uncle Anoosh was imprisoned and tortured for his political beliefs. This sparked rebellion in Marjane to question authority and seek truth in light of her family's history.

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The title Persepolis is historically important because it connects the memoir to Iran’s ancient, pre-Islamic past, reflecting the rich cultural and historical legacy of the Persian Empire. The title also juxtaposes the hardships of modern-day Iran with the grandeur of ancient Persia.

It serves as a metaphor for the loss of freedom and identity, and the tension between Iran’s glorious past and the challenges of the present.

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What might the word Persepolis imply regarding the cultural identity of Iranians?

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What might the word Persepolis imply regarding the cultural identity of Iranians?

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Persepolis is the ancient ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire, founded by Darius I around 518 BCE.

Persepolis represents the glory of the Persian Civilization and its achievements.

Persepolis serves as national pride in Persia. References to Persepolis often invoke a sense of cultural revival and pride.

Persepolis also represents a commitment to preserving its rich heritage.

Another view is that Persepolis represents the resilience of the Iranian culture even through socio-political changes.