Key Terms in Iranian History

Tudeh Party

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

• A political party in Iran advocating for monarchy and traditional values.

• A religious party in Iran focused on Islamic law and governance.

• A nationalist party in Iran promoting secularism and Westernization.

Censorship

• The promotion of free speech and expression.

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

• The encouragement of diverse opinions and ideas.

• The regulation of media to ensure accuracy and fairness.

Islamic Fundamentalism

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

• A political ideology that promotes secularism and modernism in Islamic countries.

• A cultural movement that encourages the blending of Islamic traditions with Western values.

• A social reform initiative aimed at improving women's rights in Islamic societies.

Islamic Republic

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

• A type of monarchy where the king has absolute power.

• A democratic system where all citizens vote on every issue directly.

• A socialist state that promotes atheism and secularism.

Hostage Crisis 1979

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

• A military operation to rescue American hostages in Iran.

• A peace treaty signed between the U.S. and Iran.

• A protest against U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.

Revolutionary Guards

• A military unit responsible for protecting Iran's Islamic system, founded after the Iranian Revolution.

• A civilian organization focused on promoting cultural values in Iran.

• An intelligence agency that operates outside of Iran's military structure.

• A diplomatic corps representing Iran in international affairs.

Velayat e Faqih

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

• A principle in Sunni Islam advocating for democratic governance.

• A historical event marking the end of the Islamic Golden Age.

• A philosophical debate regarding the nature of justice in Islamic law.

Morality Police

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

• A group of volunteers promoting community service in Iran.

• An organization that monitors internet usage in Iran.

• A military unit responsible for national security in Iran.

White Revolution

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

• A military coup that overthrew the Iranian government in 1953.

• A cultural movement aimed at promoting Western values in Iran.

• An economic policy focused on oil production and export.

SAVAK

• A domestic security and intelligence service established by Iran's Mohammad Reza Shah with the help of the CIA.

• A military organization responsible for external defense in Iran.

• A cultural organization promoting Persian literature and arts.

• An economic council aimed at improving trade relations with Western countries.