Key Terms in Iranian History

Front

Islamic Republic

Back

The form of government in Iran established after the 1979 revolution, combining elements of a theocracy and a republic.

Front

Velayat e Faqih

Back

A concept in Shi'a Islam which holds that a leading Islamic jurist should have custodianship over the people.

Front

White Revolution

Back

A series of reforms in Iran launched in 1963 by Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, which included land reform and women's suffrage.

Front

Tudeh Party

Back

An Iranian communist party formed in 1941, which played a significant role in Iranian politics during the mid-20th century.

Front

SAVAK

Back

The secret police, domestic security and intelligence service established by Iran's Mohammad Reza Shah with the help of the CIA.

Front

Islamic Fundamentalism

Back

A movement that seeks to return to the fundamentals of the Islamic faith and live strictly by the Quran and Hadith.

Front

Hostage Crisis 1979

Back

A diplomatic standoff where 52 American diplomats and citizens were held hostage for 444 days by Iranian students.

Front

Revolutionary Guards

Back

A branch of Iran's Armed Forces, founded after the Iranian Revolution to protect the country's Islamic system.

Front

Censorship

Back

The suppression or prohibition of speech or writing that is considered subversive of the Islamic Republic's principles.

Front

Morality Police

Back

A police force in Iran tasked with enforcing Islamic dress codes and behavior in public.