The Middle East is an exotic melting pot of delicious dishes, ancient civilizations, and beautiful scenery. However, as the Middle East extends from the southern parts of the Mediterranean Sea to the Arabian Peninsula, we should not forget that the so-called Middle East is a diverse place with different cultures and traditions.
Iran, in particular, is one of the most well-known and volatile countries in the region. Given its importance as a crude oil exporter, Iran's history and socioeconomic status have been marked by numerous social changes, Islamic rules, and international interests.
It’s not a secret that due to its nuclear arsenal and the strict US sanctions against the country, Iran keeps making headings across the world.
So, here is Iran's transformation from the 1950s to today, in pictures.
20 East Meets West
Iran, historically known as Persia, is the second-largest country in the Middle East and one of the biggest crude oil exporters across the globe. Just like other oil-exporting leaders, the modern history of Iran is marked by international and financial controversies. In fact, due to the strict US sanctions against Iran, the country can’t stay under the radar.
19 How The Shah Transformed Iran (1941-1979)
It was Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, known as Mohammed Reza Shah, who tried to transform and modernize Iran. The beginning of the well-known Pahlavi Dynasty dates back to 1926 when Mohammed Reza's father, Reza Khan Pahlavi, was crowned. As stated by PBS, the Shah westernized the country, which resulted in significant geopolitical changes.
18 The Infamous 1953 Iranian Coup
The politics of oil can be vicious. When Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh tried to nationalize the Iranian oil industry, Britain - which had controlled the industry for ages - asked the US administration for help. According to NPR, this led to the infamous 1953 coup which restored power to the unorthodox Shah.
17 Sport In Iran
The Shah started transforming Iran and building its new future. One of the many enjoyable reforms Mohammed Reza Shah introduced was team sports, such as horse riding, football, wrestling, volleyball, and rugby. According to Britannica, modern sports were also incorporated in the school curriculum. Unfortunately, things changed after the infamous Islamic Revolution.
16 A New Look At Iran
Another major achievement was the modernization of Iran. The Shah started his so-called White Revolution and tried to build a cosmopolitan society. According to Brookings, the Shah’s reforms led to rapid growth, dynamic cities, and high literacy rates. It’s no surprise that the whole world marveled at the progress Iran made.
15 Uncle Sam In Iran
The US had played a crucial role in the region. With its involvement in the 1953 coup, Washington assumed a real stake in Iran’s future, as stated by Brookings. The US assisted the Shah, enhancing the birth of Modern Iran. Moreover, American missionaries helped establish hospitals and expand female education.
14 "Pieces On A Chessboard"
Due to different oil interests, the Middle East is still a volatile region. The geopolitical situation was similar during the Shah’s reign. In the '60s and '70s, for instance, the Shah and Washington grew closer, as reported by Brookings. Iran and the US started exchanging crude oil for defense build-up.
13 Iranian Women Before The Islamic Revolution
One of the most significant reforms Mohammed Reza Shah introduced was the modernization of the gender regime, as reported by Business Insider. The Shah banned all veils and religious garments and secured women’s political participation and education. Thus, the Shah’s reforms helped numerous middle-class families improve their quality of life.
12 The Shah's White Revolution: Education And Reforms
The Shah’s efforts to modernize Iran are known as the White Revolution. According to Business Insider, the Shah tried to create a cosmopolitan society and make Iran a modern country. During his rule, the Shah tried to structure the country around a central Persian identity, expanding women’s rights, educational opportunities, and quality of life.
11 Men And Women Or Men Versus Women
Surprisingly, men and women were allowed to mix freely, as stated by Business Insider. As we can see from the picture above, people were allowed to wear different clothes, such as miniskirts, high-waisted flares, and colorful patterns. Couples were also allowed to enjoy themselves without being restrained in their interactions.
10 The World Of Fashion
Modern clothes, beauty procedures, and crazy hair; fashion is something people encounter daily. "Women in Iran are no different from women over the world," Prof Afshar told BBC. As we can see from the picture above, Mohammed Reza Shah encouraged women and men to mix freely even inside beauty salons.
9 The Islamic Revolution (1978-1979)
While the White Revolution revolutionized Iran, many people disliked the Shah and his lavish lifestyle. Some tribes and people living in rural areas saw the Shah’s reforms as an intrusion into their traditions. Those who couldn’t adapt or didn’t benefit from the Shah’s modern reforms started organizing mass demonstrations and riots in 1978. In 1979, the Shah fled Iran.
8 The Role Of Religion | Power Or Faith?
The 1979 Revolution changed Iran (now known as the Islamic Republic of Iran) and the whole geopolitical situation in the region. According to PBS, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini emerged as the voice of opposition. Under his guidance, the country declared itself a theocratic republic ruled by Islamic beliefs and rules.
7 Back To Traditional Roles And Society
The 1979 Revolution was followed by numerous social and economic changes. According to Brookings, there was a shift from pro-elite to pro-rural society, focusing on rural infrastructure and growth. Strict religious principles were integrated into the Iranian political system, which led to the severe restriction of basic human rights and liberties.
6 Women In Disguise
One of the most drastic social changes was the restriction of women’s rights and the notorious mandatory hijab. We should mention that many people against the Shah’s reforms claimed that the extension of women’s rights was against their traditional values. Even some women claimed that the rapid westernization was too much, per Wilson Center.
5 Iran Air Flight 655 (July 3, 1988)
The 1979 Revolution transformed not only the country but its international politics. For the US, the revolution led to a huge strategic loss. In 1979, 52 hostages (released 444 days later) were taken by protesters, which started a crisis between the two countries, as stated by PBS. In 1988, an American navy ship shot down an Iranian civilian plan.
4 Hidden Power
Still recovering from the 1979 Revolution, Iran was invaded by Iraq in 1980, which resulted in a long and devastating war that continued eight years. According to PBS, Iran accepted the United Nations Security Council Resolution 598 in order to end the war, reestablishing its hidden power.
3 40 Years Later: Iran After The Islamic Revolution
The 1979 Revolution reshaped the future of Iran. Now, 40 years later, young people suffer from Iran's rising unemployment crisis. Moreover, the negative consequences of the Islamic Revolution still live in both Washington and Tehran, as stated by Brookings; and due to Iran’s nuclear arsenal, the country keeps making headlines across the world.
2 Using Social Media To Empower Women
As stated above, although the Revolution promised people a better life, Iran failed to create jobs. Women, in particular, are struggling the most. From dress restrictions to workplace inequality, young women are experiencing severe discrimination. Thus, social media has become the only way to keep fighting for their rights.
1 Tourism in Iran
The Middle East, as mentioned above, is still a volatile region. Nevertheless, despite the draconian nationwide internet blackout last month and the severe US sanctions against Iran, the Republic of Iran is a beautiful place. As stated by Daily Mail, Iran offers diverse adventures, epic scenery, ancient traditions, and colorful markets. Would you dare to visit?