APCG Iran

Persia

Historic name for Iran, ethnic identiy for most iranians

Shah, Mohammed Reza

Last monarchy of the Pahlavi Dynasty, overthrown by the 1979 revolution

Majlis

unicamerical legislature of Iran

Khomeini, Ayatollah Ruhollah

Leader of the Islamic Revolution in 1979, he became the Supreme Leader of Iran and established a theocratic regime.

White Revoltuion

Moderniation and Westernization program of the last Shah of Iran

Basij Militia

A paramilitary force in Iran, established to promote the principles of the Islamic Revolution and support the nation's military initiatives.

Azeris

An ethnic group in Iran, primarily located in the northwest region, who speak Azerbaijani and are one of the largest ethnic minorities in the country. MAke about 25% of population

Assembly of Experts

86 islamic scholars who select the Supreme leader and can dismiss him; elected by popular vote from a list approve of the gaurdian council

Ahmadinejad, Mahmoud

Former President of Iran who served from 2005 to 2013, known for his controversial policies and rhetoric on nuclear issues.

Khamenei, Ayatollah Ali

Supreme leader of Iran, Iranian head of state

Gaurdian council

A body of twelve scholars, half appointed by the Supreme Leader and half elected by the legislature, responsible for overseeing elections and ensuring laws comply with Islamic law. Interperts the constituion, administers, elections and apprives canidates standing for public office

Expediency Council

Admiistrative asssembly appointed by the SUpreme leader to resolve conflicts between Majlis and the Gaurdian COuncil; created in 1988 to resolve gridlock in the regime

Constituional Revolution (1905)

A pivotal movement in Iran that aimed to establish a parliamentary system and limit the power of the monarchy, resulting in the formation of a constitutional monarchy.

Bonyads (Charitable religious foundations)

Organizations in Iran that serve social welfare purposes, often funded by the state or religious donations, playing a significant role in the economy and providing services such as education, housing, and healthcare.

Theocracy

A form of government in which a religious leader or leaders govern the state, and religious law is used as the basis for all legal and political authority. Create the laws.

Velayat-e faqih (quaridanship of the jurist)

The principle of governance in Iran where a senior Islamic jurist holds authority over political matters, ensuring that laws align with Islamic teachings.

Supreme Leader

Iranian head of the state selected by the Assembly of Experts; vast powers over military, president, bonyads, relgiious officals, and judiciary

Shia

A branch of Islam predominant in Iran, characterized by the belief in the leadership of Ali and his descendants.

Run-off elections

Elections held to determine a winner when no candidate receives a required majority in the first round.

Revolutionary Guards

Iran's elite military force responsible for guarding the Islamic Republic and its values. They play a significant role in domestic and foreign policy.

Rentier State

A state that relies on revenue from natural resources or external sources rather than domestic taxation. This often leads to weak political institutions and limited accountability.

Sharia

Islamic legal code and justice system that underlies velayat-e faqih

Sunni

A branch of Islam that follows the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad as recorded in the Hadith, distinguishing itself from Shia Islam.

Bazaaris

A group of merchants and shopkeepers in Iran, traditionally influential in the economy and politics, often opposing the state.

President of Iran

The head of state and government in Iran, responsible for the executive branch and implementing domestic and foreign policies.