Iran kicks off ceremonies to mark 44th anniversary of Islamic Revolution

Iran has kicked off celebrations marking the 44th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution, which put an end to the ruling US-backed Pahlavi regime in the country in 1979.

The annual nationwide celebrations started on Wednesday, coinciding with the date of the homecoming of the late founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini, after several years in exile.

The ceremonies began a day after Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, paid tribute to late Leader at his mausoleum in Tehran.

Ayatollah Khamenei also paid his respects to the graves of martyrs, including those who lost their lives during the country’s 8-year war with Iraq.

President Ebrahim Raeisi also visited the mausoleum, where he renewed his allegiance to the ideals of the Imam and the martyrs of the Islamic Revolution.

He also congratulated all the people of Iran on the ten-day Dawn ceremonies, saying it is important that after 44 years, this precious legacy of Imam has survived in spite of all of the hostilities and conspiracies of the enemy.

“The Islamic Revolution is rooted in Imam’s sincerity and the truthfulness of this message, speech and invitation,” he said.

Every year, Iranians mark the anniversary of their Islamic Revolution from February 1 to 11, known as the Ten-Day Dawn ceremonies. During the celebrations, Iranians take part in different events and activities to mark the occasion.

Led by Imam Khomeini, the Islamic Revolution was driven by anti-imperialist sentiments since former Iranian monarch Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was heavily dependent on Western powers, not least the United States.

By toppling the Pahlavi regime 44 years ago, the Iranian nation ended 2,500 years of monarchic rule in the country and established a new political system – a republic based on Islamic values and democracy.

002