Movement 2025: Reza Pahlavi’s Leadership and the Growing Support for Democracy
Historical Context: The Legacy of the Shah and Modern Iranian Identity
The Last Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi
The legacy of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi remains deeply embedded in Iran’s collective consciousness. His reign (1941–1979) was marked by modernization, economic development, and efforts toward secularization. Under his rule:
- Iran transformed from a predominantly rural society into a regional power.
- Oil revenues fueled rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, and industrial growth.
- Women gained unprecedented access to education and employment.
- Western influence flourished, especially in Tehran’s cosmopolitan culture.
However, the Shah’s authoritarian tendencies, political repression, and close ties to Western powers led to widespread dissatisfaction.
The 1979 Islamic Revolution
The Iranian Revolution of 1979, led by Ayatollah Khomeini, overthrew the Shah and established the Islamic Republic. The revolution promised justice and independence but resulted in decades of authoritarian rule, ideological repression, and international isolation.
For many Iranians, especially younger generations born after 1979, the regime’s narrative has failed to resonate fully. Instead, they look back nostalgically at the Shah’s era as a time of stability, modernization, and personal freedoms.
The Resurgence of Monarchy Support
Today, the Pahlavi legacy is experiencing a revival among Iran’s youth. Social media, clandestine broadcasts, and diaspora activism have helped reshape perceptions. Footage of pre-revolutionary Iran, cultural icons, and economic prosperity are circulating widely.
The slogan “Iran without a king is in chaos” reflects both discontent with the current regime and a longing for the stability associated with the monarchy.
July 28, 2025 | 1:43 pm
