Marjane Satrapi’s graphic novel, Persepolis, is an autobiography of her life growing up in Iran from 1976 to 1994. In her autobiography, Satrapi explains her experience of growing up during the Islamic Revolution, 1978-1979. Satrapi wrote of how her parents attended demonstrations every day, until the demonstrations eventually became increasingly violent, resulting in a day that is now known as “Black Friday”. On that day, the monarchy leader Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi committed a massacre against the demonstrators. Many people died and it influenced the revolution that eventually dethroned Shah.
There were many reasons for Shah’s overthrow. He enforced economic reforms in the late 1970s, which resulted in inflation, causing the price of living to rise. The people that he ruled over did not like his ideology and did not approve of his great support of westernization as they felt it threatened their culture, values, and religion. One person that was very passionately against the Shah was Shia cleric Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the Iran Revolution. Khomeini was then exiled by the Iran government in the hopes of trying to prevent his teachings from spreading. Yet, people continued to share his teachings and ideals. Zunes from the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict (ICNC) explains that “despite the bloody image of the revolution and the authoritarianism and militarism of the Islamic Republic that followed, there was a clear commitment to keeping the actual insurrection unarmed” (https://www.nonviolent-conflict.org/iranian-revolution-1977-1979/). As demonstrations began, many were killed by the government. This is why in the book Marjane was not allowed to attend the demonstrations until she was older. Additionally, the more deaths that occurred, the more the demonstrations occurred. To combat this, Shah tried to implement reforms but was unsuccessful and ultimately ended up fleeing Iran on January 16, 1979. He was the last Persian monarchy leader.
By April, the Islamic Republic was officially reestablished and Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini became the Supreme Leader of the Republic of Iran. Overall, the main cause of the demonstrations was due to cultural reform. This revolution and its causes are a bit different from any other revolution as it did (not?) involve defeat in war, financial, lower-class rebellion, or a frustrated military. It was also different from other revolutions because the people wanted their country to return to how it was prior to and they did not want a modern leader. After Khomeini was put into power, he wrote the constitution for the Islamic Republic which included provisions such as Iran being strictly an Islamic nation, granting more control of military and security, and increased the power of clerics.
Sources:
“The Iranian Revolution (1977-1979).” ICNC, https://www.nonviolent-conflict.org/iranian-revolution-1977-1979/. Accessed 3 Oct. 2021.
“Iranian Revolution: Causes, Events, and Effects.” WorldAtlas, 18 June 2019, https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-iranian-islamic-revolution-1978-1979.html.
As much as I hate to admit it, I have always been somewhat ignorant when it comes to the history of Iran and the Middle East in general. I know Iran in light of being a war-torn country for so long but beginning to read Persepolis was truly the first time I learned more of the ins and outs of the power struggle that has characterized them as a nation. In the blog post you mention both Iran under the Shah’s rule and the Islamic Regime, and we see in Satrapi’s book there is dissatisfaction among citizens in both governments. In the first they were able to openly demonstrate, however, after the deaths of so many revolutionists, rebellion became defined by small acts of defiance in the Islamic Republic. Regardless of the means by which one resists political oppression, there are people who continue to fight. Because the Persian culture of Iran has always known outside influence and attempts at control, I am honestly unclear on what the country desires in terms of government, or if there is truly one dialogue upon which they could all agree to a basic level of nationality defined by the citizens, not overbearing power structures. Has their history been too turbulent for there to be unity or something resembling the bipartisan ideologies of the United States? Or is that indeed applicable to Iranian politics?
I would imagine that is difficult to live a place that is constantly at odds with itself. There is that struggle of wanting to keep things the same. Keeping the culture and the way of life living, but also recognizing the need for change. It is hard to balance both and to know what is the best course of action. It is clear to see that the people of Iran felt strongly in their opinions, as they did not weaken after they were attacked and murdered. They grew stronger and more determined. It is interesting to see how much demonstrations can impact the government and life for an entire country. It makes me wonder if they can find some stability for themselves.
This graphic novel is another indication of systemic injustices in the world and how it has shaped the country in terms of power. This novel can relate to March because of the power and inequality differences that we see. Along with that, the difference of the white and dark background elements within each panel helps to shape the connotation and mood of particular scenes. I think that reading this further opened up the representation of gender and class in a visual form.
I have always thought that the history of the Middle East and the cultures and values that lie within is a very interesting topic. I was so glad when I found out we were reading a book that centers around this topic. As I was reading your post, it made me realize how much I still did not know about the history of the Iranian government. I always thought it was intriguing because I never understood why people are always fighting in that area. I agree with you that it has always been a culture struggle, because when the Iranian Revolution finally ended, no one won. The reason for the demonstrators’ rebellion was because they wanted the government to go back to the way it was before Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi became corrupt. Instead, the Iranian Republic formed and became even more strict. Even after the war ended, the country suffered even more because of the ongoing unrest among protestors. Yet, these protestors were being executed and more violence was beginning to develop. It puts many things into perspective because I cannot imagine having virtually no rights as a human being, especially if i could not even go to school because I am a female.
I’ve always heard Iran was once a rather free place similar to the US prior to the 1980’s and its incredibly interesting to read how the change took place. The modern “single story” of Iran paints a very different picture from its secular past. From a rather free-spirited place of modernity to strict religious ideal adherence and backward treatment of citizens. Its incredible the backward step that was taken in human rights. Almost all members of society were subject to worse treatment. From the newfound extensive “othering” of women via wearing veils, patriarchal marital practices and being subject to sexual violence. To young boys becoming brainwashed into fighting a holy war. The novel helps bring into perspective the privilege we enjoy and how others have not been so lucky.
Thank you for sharing this insight. Learning about the history of Iran and and the overall culture of the middle east has brought up a few questions for me personally. The oppression that is displayed in this story is something unimaginable for most of us who have grown up in the United States. I hear stories like these where systemic injustices are clear and blatant, and then it becomes easy to think “well we aren’t experiencing oppression that extreme here, so we have nothing to complain about”. But injustice is injustice, no matter where or in what form and needs to be fought against. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini is the perfect example of standing for what you believe is right even if it means putting your life on the line. This really made me think of American history, how many Black people had to die fighting for their rights before freedom was gained? And how many women lost their lives fighting one step closer towards equality? The cycle of fighting for justice seems to always involve bloodshed in hopes that those after you no longer have to fight, just as seen here with the hundreds of protesters knowing they might die for criticizing those in control in Iran. In general, this was a very educational read and the format is unique to the imagery and storytelling aspect of it all.