Adoption & Abandonment of the Imperial Calendar
The Imperial Calendar represents one of the most controversial cultural decisions in modern Iranian history. This calendar, which lasted only about two and a half years, symbolized an attempt to redefine Iranian national identity based on pre-Islamic heritage.
Historical Background
Pahlavi Cultural Policies
From the 1960s onward, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi pursued specific cultural policies emphasizing pre-Islamic Iranian identity:
- Persepolis restoration: Revival of Achaemenid ruins
- Lion and Sun emblem: Strengthening ancient symbols
- Name changes: Return to authentic Iranian names
- National celebrations: Reviving ancient festivals like Mehregan
The 2,500-Year Celebrations (October 1971)
The pinnacle of these policies was the 2,500-year celebration of the Persian monarchy held at Persepolis in October 1971.
| Feature | Details |
| Venue | Persepolis and Pasargadae |
| Guests | Leaders from 69 countries |
| Duration | Three days |
| Cost | Estimated up to $300 million |
These celebrations created a wave of national pride and laid the groundwork for the calendar change.
The Initial Proposal
The idea of changing the calendar was first proposed in 1967:
- Proposer: Mohammad Farahmand
- Recipient: Hushang Ansary, Iranian Ambassador
- Main argument: The Cyrus Cylinder, as the first human rights charter, provided a worthy epoch for Iranian calendrics
The Strategic Year 2500
One important reason for the calendar change was selecting the "round" year 2500. With this calculation:
- Mohammad Reza Shah's coronation year (1941 CE / 1320 SH) would equal 2500 Imperial
- This symbolic alignment linked the Shah with Cyrus the Great
Official Adoption (March 14, 1976)
The Approval Process
On March 14, 1976 (25 Espand 1354), the National Consultative Assembly and Senate jointly approved the calendar change law.
| Stage | Date |
| Law approval | 25 Espand 1354 |
| Implementation | 1 Farvardin 1355 → 2535 |
| Duration of use | Approximately 900 days |
Practical Changes
- All government documents were issued with Imperial dates
- Newspapers and magazines adopted the new calendar
- Schools and universities taught the new system
- Birth certificates and passports used the new dates
Social Reactions
Supporters
Groups that welcomed the calendar change:
- Nationalists: Saw it as a return to authentic Iranian identity
- Secular intellectuals: Supported separation from the Islamic epoch
- Archaeologists and historians: Pleased with the emphasis on ancient heritage
Opponents
Groups opposing the calendar change:
- Clergy: Viewed it as an attack on Islamic identity
- Religious conservatives: Disturbed by removal of the Prophet's migration
- Political critics: Called it cultural autocracy
Ordinary Citizens
Most people faced these challenges:
- Confusion: Converting old dates to new was difficult
- Administrative problems: Many documents had dual dates
- Habit: Accepting the new calendar required time
Crisis and Collapse
The 1978 Protests
From early 1978, a wave of protests swept across Iran. One of the protesters' demands was returning to the Solar Hijri calendar.
The Sharif-Emami Government
In September 1978, Mohammad Reza Shah appointed Jafar Sharif-Emami as Prime Minister. Sharif-Emami, who called himself "Servant of Imam Reza," took steps to calm religious opponents.
Return to Solar Hijri
On September 2, 1978 (11 Shahrivar 1357/2537), the Sharif-Emami government abolished the Imperial Calendar and returned to Solar Hijri.
| Event | Imperial Date | Gregorian Date |
| Calendar begins | 1 Farvardin 2535 | March 21, 1976 |
| Calendar ends | 11 Shahrivar 2537 | September 2, 1978 |
| Duration | 900 days | 2 years, 5 months |
Reasons for Abolition
- Appeasement: Attempt to reduce tension with clergy
- Symbolic: Showing respect for Islamic identity
- Practical: Ending administrative confusion
Consequences
Short-term
- All documents were again issued with Solar Hijri dates
- Many Imperial-era documents needed conversion
- Confusion continued for some time
Long-term
Abolishing the Imperial Calendar could not stop the revolutionary process. Five months later, on February 11, 1979, the Islamic Revolution succeeded.
Legacy Today
Current Users
Today, the Imperial Calendar continues to be used by:
- Iranian diaspora: Many Iranians living abroad
- History enthusiasts: Researchers of ancient Iranian history
- Zoroastrian communities: Some Zoroastrians in Iran and India
Symbolic Value
Regardless of political perspectives, the Imperial Calendar symbolizes:
- Iran's connection to its 2,500-year heritage
- Efforts to preserve cultural identity
- The importance of calendars in national identity
This historical experience demonstrates that changing a calendar is not merely a technical decision but is deeply intertwined with identity, culture, and politics. The story of the Imperial Calendar offers valuable lessons about the relationship between time-keeping systems and national consciousness.