Iranian History Terms Flashcards

Flashcards for key vocabulary related to Iranian history.

Reza Shah Pahlavi

Founder of the Pahlavi dynasty who ruled Iran from 1925 to 1941, modernizing the country but also becoming a dictator.

Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi

Son of Reza Shah and the last monarch of Iran, ruling from 1941 until his overthrow in 1979 during the Iranian Revolution.

Mohammad Mosaddegh

Prime Minister of Iran (1951-1953) known for nationalizing Iran’s oil industry before being overthrown in a CIA-backed coup.

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini

Leader of the Iranian Revolution (1979) who became the first Supreme Leader of Iran, establishing an Islamic theocracy.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

President of Iran (2005-2013) known for his controversial policies and confrontational stance with the West.

Hassan Rouhani

President of Iran (2013-2021) known for his efforts to improve relations with the West, including negotiating the 2015 nuclear deal.

Ebrahim Raisi

Current President of Iran (since 2021), former judiciary chief, and a hardliner who supports the principles of the Islamic Republic.

Mir-Houssein Mousavi

Reformist politician, Prime Minister during the 1980s, and a leader of the 2009 Green Movement protesting election results.

Ali Khamenei

The current Supreme Leader of Iran, in power since 1989, holding ultimate authority in the country.

Principlists

Conservative political faction in Iran, advocating for strict adherence to Islamic principles and opposing Western influences.

Reformists

Political faction in Iran that seeks gradual reform of the Islamic system and more openness, especially in political and social issues.

National Front

A political party in Iran that promoted nationalism and democracy, particularly under Mohammad Mosaddegh’s leadership.

Resurgence Party aka Rastakhiz Party

A one-party system created by Reza Shah in 1975 to consolidate political power, later dissolved after the 1979 revolution.

Tudeh Party

The communist party of Iran, influential in the mid-20th century, but suppressed after the 1979 Revolution.

SAVAK

The secret police under the Pahlavi regime, responsible for suppressing political opposition and dissent.

Safavids

A Shi’a dynasty (1501-1736) that ruled Iran and established Twelver Shi’ism as the dominant religion in the country.

Qajars

The ruling dynasty of Iran from 1789 to 1925, before the Pahlavi dynasty took over.

Revolutionary Guard

A branch of Iran’s military established after the 1979 Revolution to protect the Islamic system and Khomeini’s rule.

Basij

A paramilitary volunteer militia part of the Revolutionary Guard, used for internal control, including suppressing protests.

Velayat-e faqih

The principle of governance by Islamic jurists, which forms the foundation of Iran’s political system with the Supreme Leader as the top authority.

Bonyads

Parastatal charitable organizations in Iran, often with significant political and economic influence.

Ummah

The global community of Muslims, often used to refer to solidarity among all Muslims.

Sharia law

Islamic law based on the Quran and Hadith, governing both public and private aspects of life in Iran.

Qanun law

Secular law in Iran, distinct from Sharia, but used to regulate civil matters.

Operation Ajax

The CIA-backed coup in 1953 that overthrew Iran’s PM Mohammad Mosaddegh and reinstated the Shah.

White Revolution

A series of reforms launched by Mohammad Reza Shah in 1963, aimed at modernizing Iran, but also consolidating his power.

Iranian Revolution (1978-79)

The revolution that overthrew the Pahlavi monarchy and led to the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran under Khomeini.

Green Revolution

The 2009 protests against alleged election fraud, where Mir-Houssein Mousavi’s supporters called for reform.

Majlis

The Iranian parliament, which passes laws and is an essential part of Iran’s political system, though it’s ultimately subordinate to the Supreme Leader.

Guardian Council

A body that vets candidates for elections in Iran and oversees legislation to ensure it aligns with Islamic principles.

Assembly of Religious Experts

An elected body in Iran responsible for selecting and overseeing the Supreme Leader.

Supreme Leader

The highest authority in Iran, holding significant political, military, and religious power, with ultimate control over the government.

Green Movement

The political movement that emerged from the 2009 protests, advocating for electoral reform and greater civil liberties.

Chief Justice

The head of Iran’s judiciary, who oversees the judicial system and interprets the law in accordance with Islamic principles.

Iran-Iraq War

A brutal war between Iran and Iraq (1980-1988), resulting in significant casualties and economic hardship, with Iran victorious.

Quietistism

A theological approach within Shi’ism that advocates for non-interference in politics, as opposed to the active role of clerics in governance advocated by Velayat-e-faqih