Lesson 4 Iranian History

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Islamic Republic

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

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Velayat e Faqih

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

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White Revolution

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

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Tudeh Party

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

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SAVAK

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

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Islamic Fundamentalism

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

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Hostage Crisis 1979

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

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Revolutionary Guards

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

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Censorship

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

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Morality Police

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