Religious, extremist rulers since 1979
Iran, officially known as the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country located in Western Asia. It has a long and rich history that spans thousands of years, being home to some of the world's oldest civilizations, including the Elamite kingdoms, the Achaemenid Empire, and the Sassanian Empire. It is ruled by religious extremists since 1979, when the Shah was overturned by Ayatolah Khomeini.
Key Facts
Capital: Tehran
Population: Approximately 86 million (as of 2023)
Official Language: Persian (Farsi)
Currency: Iranian Rial (IRR)
Government: Theocratic republic
Supreme Leader: Ali Khamenei (as of 2023)
President: Ebrahim Raisi (as of 2023)
Geography
Iran is bordered by countries including Iraq, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. It also has coastlines along the Caspian Sea in the north and the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman in the south. Iran's terrain is mountainous, with the Zagros and Alborz ranges, along with desert plateaus like the Dasht-e Kavir.
Historical Background
Iran's history is deeply intertwined with the ancient empires that once ruled vast portions of the Middle East. Some key moments in Iranian history include:
Achaemenid Empire (c. 550–330 BCE): Founded by Cyrus the Great, this empire became the first Persian Empire and one of the largest empires in history, stretching from the Balkans to the Indus Valley.
Sassanian Empire (224–651 CE): Another prominent Persian empire, it was a significant power that frequently clashed with the Roman Empire.
Islamic Conquest: In the 7th century, Iran was conquered by Arab Muslim forces, leading to the spread of Islam and the eventual development of the Shi'a branch of Islam.
Safavid Dynasty (1501–1736): Established Twelver Shi'ism as the state religion, marking a major turning point in Iran’s cultural and religious identity.
Qajar and Pahlavi Dynasties: Iran became a constitutional monarchy in the early 20th century under the Qajar dynasty and then transitioned to the Pahlavi dynasty in 1925.
Islamic Revolution (1979)
In 1979, Iran underwent a major political upheaval known as the Islamic Revolution, which saw the overthrow of the Pahlavi monarchy under Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi. The revolution, led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, established a theocratic republic, making Shi'a Islam the foundation of governance. Since then, Iran has been governed by a combination of elected officials and religious leaders, with the Supreme Leader holding significant power.
Economy
Iran has a mixed economy that relies heavily on oil and gas production, although it also has significant sectors in agriculture, manufacturing, and services.
Major Exports: Oil and natural gas are Iran’s primary exports, making up a significant portion of its GDP. Other important exports include petrochemicals, automobiles, and carpets.
Sanctions: Iran has been subjected to economic sanctions from countries such as the United States and the European Union, particularly due to its controversial nuclear program.
Challenges: High inflation, unemployment, and economic stagnation have plagued Iran’s economy, exacerbated by international sanctions.
Culture
Iran’s culture is a blend of Persian traditions, Islamic influences, and modern elements.
Language: Farsi is the official language, with regional languages and dialects spoken across the country.
Art and Literature: Iran has a rich literary heritage, particularly in poetry, with poets like Rumi, Hafez, and Omar Khayyam being highly influential. Persian art, architecture, and cinema are also globally recognized.
Religion: Iran is predominantly Shi’a Muslim, and it is the world's largest Shi’a-majority country. There are also minorities of Sunni Muslims, Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians.
Politics and Foreign Relations
Iran’s political system is a unique blend of theocratic and democratic elements. The Supreme Leader has ultimate authority, overseeing the judiciary, military, and media, while the President handles day-to-day governance. The Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majlis) is Iran’s parliament.
Iran has had strained relations with Western countries, particularly the U.S., since the 1979 hostage crisis and due to its nuclear program. It maintains strong ties with countries like Russia and China and supports groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and various Shia militias across the Middle East.
Nuclear Program and Tensions
Iran's nuclear program has been a significant point of tension with the international community, particularly the U.S. and Israel. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), signed in 2015, aimed to limit Iran's nuclear capabilities in exchange for sanctions relief. However, the U.S. withdrew from the deal in 2018 under President Donald Trump, leading to renewed tensions and escalating sanctions.
Modern Challenges
Iran faces internal challenges, including political repression, economic difficulties, and human rights concerns. Protests and uprisings, such as the Green Movement of 2009 and the 2022–2023 protests following the death of Mahsa Amini, demonstrate widespread discontent among parts of the population, especially regarding women's rights and political freedom.
Key Cities and Landmarks
Tehran: The capital and largest city, known for its museums, bazaars, and modern architecture.
Isfahan: Famous for its beautiful Naqsh-e Jahan Square, mosques, and bridges.
Persepolis: The ancient ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire.
Shiraz: Known for its gardens and as the city of poets like Hafez and Saadi.
Iran remains a pivotal player in the Middle East, with a complex blend of ancient heritage and modern geopolitical challenges. Its influence extends far beyond its borders, making it a key country in global affairs.
Copyright (C) S. Midttun, 2024
