Imam Khomeini: The Man Who Changed the Face of Iran, Region

Nour Rida

Everything seemed normal this morning in the streets of Tehran.

One new element could be seen as the Islamic Republic commemorates the annual anniversary of the decease of the Founder of the Islamic Revolution: quotes along with pictures of Imam Khomeini who was the spiritual father of millions of Iranians whom he liberated from subjugation to the Pahlavi regime.

I took the metro to reach the shrine complex; a trip of approximately one hour from the famous Enqelab square where the Tehran University main campus is located. The metro line leading to the shrine was packed with people who were heading to attend the ceremonies.

At the Southern end of Tehran and before arriving to Imam Khomeini's International airport lies the shrine complex where Imam Ruhollah Mousavi Khomeini rests in peace.

The shrine was a place of pilgrimage today, with the tremendous numbers of people flocking to take part in the event. Arriving at 8:30 a.m. it was impossible to enter the shrine and I rather had to wander around the shrine where many people gathered.

Some came in the form of groups such as students, athletes, Karate fighters wearing their uniforms or social groups from the different areas of Tehran, Qom and even cities in Northern and Eastern Iran like Khorasan.

Tayebeh Bafnejad who came alone to the ceremonies recalled when she saw Imam Khomeini for the first time in 1360. "His face was as bright as a full moon. I was a young lady back then, and i still feel the same way every time I visit the shrine," she said.

"The blessings Iran enjoy and its ability to face the decades-long sanctions was because of his guidance and belief that we should be independent. He was the savior of Iran truly," Tayebeh added.

Saeed Sajadpour came with his classmates to attend the big day. Saeed and his friends were very young when Imam Khomeini deceased but they say they have read so much about him and seen the impact of all his efforts in making Iran an independent country.

"I never knew him but I always saw his picture and wondered why my parents and the older generation love him so much. He was a good leader and not corrupt... he cared for the people and so they cared for him," Saeed noted.

Mahdi Navarbaf, a volunteer among the groups that are present at the complex to serve the people and help them said "I cannot think of Imam Khomeimi or hear his name and not relate directly to the 1979 revolution which changed the face of Iran and allowed the Iranian people to become independent."

For those who might not know, Imam Ayatollah Sayyed Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini (May 17, 1900 - June 3, 1989) was a Muslim cleric and Marja, and the political leader of the 1979 Islamic Revolution of Iran which overthrew Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran.

Following the Revolution, Imam Khomeini became Grand Leader of Iran - the paramount figure in the political system of the new Islamic Republic - until his demise and who brought real change to the system of a country that was on the verge of collapse.

Source: al-Ahed News