THE TEN DAYS OF DAWN CELEBRATIONS IN IRAN
DAYS OF DAWN
The Iranian nation toppled the US-backed Pahlavi regime on February 11, 1979, ending the 2,500 years of monarchy in the country.
Every year Iranians mark anniversary of their Islamic Revolution from February 1 to 11, known as the Ten-Day Fajr ceremonies. February 1, 1979 was the date when Ayatollah Khomeini returned from exile.
On February 11 each year, Iranian people pour into the streets in their millions to commemorate the great victory of the Islamic Revolution
Imam Khomeini lived around 14 years in exile from November 4, 1963 to February 1, 1979. First, he was sent to Turkey in 1963 and then to Iraq, but he spent the last part of the exile in France in a village called Neauphle-le-Chateau.
After the last Shah of Iran left the country on January 16, 1979, the Imam announced that the Shah's exit from Iran is the first phase of ending criminal Pahlavi regime, which has happened as a result of bravery protests by the Iranian people.
Imam Khomeini was to leave France for Iran on January 6, 1979, but Iran's civil aviation organization declared that all flights are cancelled because of bad weather condition.
Iranian protestors poured into streets to show their resentment to such a decision, calling for Imam's return as soon as possible. The protestors marched towards Mehrabad Airport.
Imam Khomeini returned to Iran following 14 years in exile, when he was welcomed by around three million Iranians in capital Tehran, and the day of his arrival to the country has been named the first day of Fajr celebrations, which are commemorated as a national celebration each year.
How Ten Days of Dawn period
is marked across each year?
Imam Khomeini had lived many years in exile, in Iraq and France, before returning home and leading a historical revolution that overthrew Pahlavi regime on February 11, 1979.
The 10-day period from the return of Imam Khomeini until the revolution’s victory is celebrated annually in Iran, and is known as the Ten-Day Fajr (Dawn).
The day of Imam Khomeini's return to Iran marks the beginning of the Ten Days of Dawn, which culminates with the anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution on February 11.