Iranian Revolution refers to the popular movement in Iran (1979) to overthrow a pro-western monarchy and establish an Islamic Republic. As a result of the Iranian Revolution, Iran became an Islamic Republic. Iran is marking the anniversary of the country’s 1979 Islamic Revolution on Wednesday on wheels — cars, motorcycles, bicycles — instead of traditional rallies and marches. Tens of thousands were expected to drive through cities and towns as part of the manifestations after the government decided to replace traditional rallies and demonstrations with motorcades.
In the capital, Tehran, processions of cars and other vehicles started out from 12 different points on Wednesday morning, driving through the streets to circle Tehran’s iconic Azadi Square, the traditional place of gatherings for anniversaries. Demonstrators carried placards reading, “Death to America,” “Death to Israel” and “Death to Britain,” according to the semi-official Fars news agency. The previous night, on the eve of the 42nd anniversary, fireworks were set off next to the Milad telecommunications tower in Tehran. On Wednesday, streets were decorated with huge Iranian flags and a sea of balloons while revolutionary and patriotic songs blared from loudspeakers set up along the way of the processions. State radio and television broadcast revolutionary and patriotic songs, as well as footage lauding Iran’s scientific and military achievements, including satellite carriers and ballistic missiles.
President Hassan Rouhani was to deliver a televised speech to the nation later on Wednesday. For him, it’s the last such anniversary speech as Iranians are expected to elect his successor in presidential elections in June. Rouhani has served the maximum two mandates for president under Iran’s constitution.
