Gahshomar Events
Ancient celebrations, historical events, and Iran's great figures
Nowruz
Nowruz, the world's oldest celebration, marks the Persian New Year and the spring equinox. This festival symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, warmth over cold, and life over death. Celebrated continuously for over 3,000 years since the Achaemenid era, Nowruz is observed by more than 300 million people worldwide across Iran, Central Asia, the Caucasus, and diaspora communities. Its rituals—including Haft-Seen (and its predecessor Haft-Shin), Chaharshanbe Suri, Sizdah Bedar, spring cleaning, and family visits—all symbolize renewal of nature and the human spirit.
Nowruz-e Bozorg (Great Nowruz)
The Great Nowruz (Khordad Sal) falls on the 6th of Farvardin (Khordad day). In Zoroastrian tradition, this is the birthday of Zoroaster and the spiritual peak of Nowruz. Sassanid kings held public audiences on this day.
Sizdah Bedar
Nature Day marking the end of Nowruz holidays. Families picnic outdoors, tie sabzeh (greens), and enjoy communal games.
Rapithwin Festival
Rapithwin festival on the 3rd of Farvardin celebrates the return of warmth and light after winter. Rapithwin is the Yazata of noon and summer warmth who retreats underground during winter and returns with spring.
Soroush Rooz
Day honoring Sraosha (Soroush), the Yazata of conscience and messenger of Ahura Mazda. Sraosha guards souls at night and is one of three judges at the Chinvat Bridge, uniquely accompanying souls on their journey to the afterlife.
Farvardigan
Name-day feast when Farvardin day meets Farvardin month. Honors the Fravashis (guardian spirits of the deceased). Zoroastrians visit cemeteries and recite Avesta.
Ordibeheshtgan
Name-day feast when Ordibehesht day (3rd) meets Ordibehesht month. Celebrates Asha Vahishta ("Best Truth"), the Amesha Spenta guardian of fire, righteousness, and cosmic order.
Khordadgan
Name-day feast celebrating Khordad (Haurvatat - Wholeness/Perfection) and water. Khordad is the Amesha Spenta guardian of water and health.
Jashn-e Niloupar (Lotus)
Ancient festival marking the blossoming of Lotus flowers. The lotus symbolizes purity and beauty in Persian culture.
Tirgan
Summer festival of rain and water on Tir 13. Commemorates Arash the Archer's legendary shot that defined Iran's borders.
Tirgan-e Bozorg
The Great Tirgan; the day Arash's arrow landed, marking the border.
Toos Festival - Opening
Opening of Toos Festival in Mashhad, celebrating Ferdowsi and Persian literature. Held in Ferdowsi's birthplace, gathering poets and scholars from around the world.
Toos Festival - Closing
Closing ceremony of Toos Festival at Ferdowsi's tomb.
Amordadegan
Name-day feast when Amordad day meets Amordad month. Celebrates immortality (Ameretat) and plant life. Iris is the symbolic flower of this festival.
Shahrivargan
Name-day feast when Shahrivar day meets Shahrivar month. Honors Shahrivar (Khshathra Vairya), the Amesha Spenta guardian of metals and the sky. Also known as "Azar Jashn" (Fire Festival).
Mehregan
Autumn festival of Mithra on Mehr 16, celebrating harvest, gratitude, light, and friendship. Historically second only to Nowruz in importance.
Yalda Night
Celebration of the year's longest night (winter solstice). Families gather to eat pomegranate, read Hafez poetry, symbolizing light overcoming darkness.
Sadeh
Mid-winter fire festival celebrated 50 days before Nowruz. Large bonfires are lit to defeat the cold and celebrate fire and civilization.
Chaharshanbe Suri
Chaharshanbe Suri, the ancient Festival of Fire and Light, is celebrated on the eve of the last Wednesday of the year (Tuesday night). This is the oldest Persian purification ritual before Nowruz. People light bonfires of brush and thorns and jump over them, chanting 'Zardi-ye man az to, Sorkhi-ye to az man' (My yellowness to you, your redness to me)—yellow represents sickness and coldness, red represents health and warmth. Chaharshanbe Suri symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and life over death, preparing Persians for the new year.
First Wednesday Festival
Celebration of the first Wednesday of the new year, symbolizing an auspicious beginning. If the last Wednesday (Chaharshanbe Suri) is for warding off evil, the first Wednesday welcomes good fortune.
Abangah Festival
Abangah festival on the 10th of Farvardin honors water and the goddess Anahita (Nahid), guardian of flowing and still waters. People gathered at springs and rivers, splashing water on each other in celebration.
Giyahavari (Plant Gathering)
Plant gathering festival on the 2nd of Ordibehesht, a day for collecting flowers and medicinal herbs from nature. This day is dedicated to an angel symbolizing honesty and purity, falling one day before Ordibeheshtgan.
Fortieth Day of Nowruz
The 40th day after Nowruz, considered in some traditions as the complete end of the Nowruz period. The number forty symbolizes completion and wholeness in Persian culture.
Day of Zoroaster's Revelation
Day commemorating Zoroaster's first revelation at age 30. By the Daiti river, he saw Vohu Manah (Good Mind) who led him to the presence of Ahura Mazda.
Arghasvan (Heat Festival)
Arghasvan or Heat Festival on the first day of Khordad marks the beginning of summer warmth. People swam in rivers and springs to escape the heat.
Abpashoonak (Water Splashing)
Abpashoonak or "Avval Toestooni" (Start of Summer) on the first day of Tir. People splash water on each other to celebrate summer heat. This festival is popular in Arak, Farahan, Mahallat, and central Iranian cities.
Gahanbar Calendar New Year
New Year in the Gahanbar (seasonal) Zoroastrian calendar, based on the summer solstice.
Khamkhari (Raw Food Festival)
Raw food festival on the 15th of Tir, a day for eating fresh fruits and vegetables without cooking. This festival originated in Sogdia (Central Asia) and was documented by al-Biruni.
Midsummer Festival
Festival marking the end of "Chele Tammuz," the forty hottest days of summer starting from Tir 1st. The 10th of Amordad marks the end of the year's hottest period.
Mey Khareh (Ashnakhanda)
The ancient festival of "Mey Khareh" on the 18th of Amordad, celebrating the grape harvest, the start of the wine-making season, and drinking sacred elixirs like "Haoma". Documented by al-Biruni, it originated in Sogdia (as Ashnakhanda).
Faghdiyeh (Cool Air Festival)
Faghdiyeh or "Fagharbeh" on the first day of Shahrivar, celebrating the end of scorching heat and the arrival of cooler air. This festival originated in Khwarezm and is also known as "Cool Air Festival."
Kashmin Festival
Kashmin festival on the 3rd of Shahrivar, an ancient Sogdian celebration with a public marketplace. This festival was held during harvest season and involved trading agricultural products.
Ascension of Mani
Commemoration of the death of Mani (216-274 CE), founder of Manichaeism. Mani died in prison at Gundeshapur, and his followers called this day his "ascension" to the realm of light.
Khazan Jashn (Autumn Festival)
Autumn festival on the 8th of Shahrivar, welcoming fall and the changing of leaves. "Khazan" means autumn in Persian, marking the transition from summer to harvest season.
Bazar Jashn (Market Festival)
Market festival on the 15th of Shahrivar, honoring merchants and trade. Markets were specially decorated and people engaged in buying and selling.
Mitrakana Festival
Mitrakana is the Old Persian name for Mehregan. The name is formed from "Mithra" + the suffix "-kana" and evolved into "Mihragan" in Middle Persian and "Mehregan" in Modern Persian.
Achaemenid New Year
Some scholars believe the Achaemenids celebrated New Year at the autumn equinox (Mehregan). This is debated among scholars, with evidence for celebrations at both equinoxes.
Sepandarmazgan (Original Zoroastrian Date)
Sepandarmazgan or Esfandgan, the original date of this festival in the Zoroastrian calendar: the 5th day of Esfand (Spandarmad) month, a day-month name coincidence. This festival honors Spenta Armaiti (guardian of earth and symbol of devotion), is the Iranian day of love, and celebrates women, earth, and mothers. Also known as: Barzgaran (Farmers' Festival), Mozhdeghiran, Mardgiran.
Absalan
Absalan or "Bahar Jashn" (Spring Festival) on the 7th of Esfand, a rain-seeking festival celebrating flowing waters before Nowruz. This festival was especially important in arid regions of Iran.
Abanagan
Water festival on Aban 10, dedicated to Anahita (Aredvi Sura Anahita), the divinity of water and fertility. People would gather near rivers and springs.
Esfahan Commemoration Day
The first day of Azar, corresponding to the Sagittarius constellation which historically belongs to the city of Esfahan; a day to commemorate Iran's historical and cultural capital.
Azaragan
Fire festival on Azar 9, honoring Atar (sacred fire) on the day when day-name meets month-name. Fire is one of the holiest elements in Zoroastrianism.
Deygan
Festival of Dey (Creator) on the first day of Dey month, honoring Ahura Mazda, the one God in Zoroastrianism. This is the first of four Digan festivals in Dey month.
Bahmanagan
Festival of Bahman (Vohu Manah - Good Mind) on Bahman 2, celebrating good thought and wisdom. Bahman was the first Amesha Spenta to be created.
Qalichooyan of Ardahal
The Qalichooyan (carpet washing) ceremony of Ardahal, Kashan - a remnant of ancient Tirgan festival. People carry carpets and kilims from the shrine to the spring and wash them with sacred water. This ritual is inscribed on UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Tir-Rooz Festival
Tir-Rooz festival on the 13th day (Tir day) of Mehr month, honoring Tishtar, the deity of rain. This festival reminds us of Tishtar's importance throughout the year, not just in Tir month.
Ram-Rooz Festival
Ram-Rooz festival on the 21st day (Ram day) of Mehr month, honoring Ram (Raman), the Yazata of joy, peace, and pure air. The Ram Yasht in the Avesta is dedicated to praising this deity.
Victory of Kaveh and Fereydoun over Zahhak
Celebration of the victory of Kaveh the Blacksmith and Fereydoun over the tyrant Zahhak. On this day, Kaveh placed his leather blacksmith's apron on a spear, creating the Kaviani Banner. People rallied around him and chose Fereydoun as king.
Bazar Jashn (Market Festival)
Market festival in mid-winter Dey month. On this day, markets were decorated and joyful caravans were organized. Merchants celebrated trade and commerce.
Dey-be-Azar, Second Digan
Dey-be-Azar, the second Digan festival in Dey month. "Dey" means Creator (Ahura Mazda) and "Azar" means fire. This day honors the connection between the Creator and sacred fire.
Sirsur (Garlic Festival)
Sirsur or vegetarian festival on the 14th of Dey, a day of eating garlic and vegetables to strengthen the body in winter cold. Garlic has medicinal and purifying properties in Zoroastrian tradition.
Peykartarashi / Botigan (Sculpture Festival)
Peykartarashi or Botigan, a day of making clay or dough figurines in human form. These effigies were placed on rooftops and doorways, then burned to drive away evil spirits.
Dey-be-Mehr, Third Digan
Dey-be-Mehr, the third Digan festival in Dey month. "Dey" means Creator and "Mehr" means Mithra, the divinity of light and covenant. This day honors the bond between Ahura Mazda and Mithra.
Daramzinan (Banner Festival)
Daramzinan or "Bull Banner" festival, an ancient celebration connected to the Kaviani Banner. Colorful banners were raised. In the morning, people ate apples and smelled narcissus; at night, hyacinth was thrown into fire.
Dey-be-Din, Fourth Digan
Dey-be-Din, the fourth and final Digan festival in Dey month. "Dey" means Creator and "Din" means conscience or religion. This day completes the cycle of four Creator-dedicated days in Dey month.
Shahrivar-Rooz, Accession of Darab (Cyrus)
Shahrivar-Rooz on the 4th day (Shahrivar) of Bahman, commemorating the accession of Darab. Some scholars identify Darab with Cyrus the Great. Shahrivar (Khshathra Vairya) is the Amesha Spenta of metals and represents righteous rulership.
Nosreh Festival
Nosreh festival, a mid-winter celebration marking hope for the end of cold and approaching spring. Held in Bahman month (Vohu Manah = Good Mind), symbolizing wisdom and hope.
Public Theatre Day
Public Theatre Day, coinciding with Sadeh festival. People attended ceremonial performances, storytelling (Naqqali), and theatrical shows around the Sadeh bonfires.
Midwinter Festival
Midwinter Festival on Bahman 15, when 45 days have passed since winter began. According to ancient Iranian belief, on this day the "giant of winter" disappears and the earth breathes again.
Bad-Rooz (Wind Day)
Bad-Rooz on the 22nd day (Bad/Wind) of Bahman, honoring Vayu-Vata, the deity of air and wind. Vayu is one of the four Akhshij (sacred elements), considered purifying and holy.
Esfandi Festival
Esfandi festival at the start of the last month, honoring Spandarmad (Spenta Armaiti), the Amesha Spenta of earth, motherhood, and devotion. Documented by Biruni in Al-Athar al-Baqiyah.
Absalan / Bahar Jashn (Spring Water Festival)
Absalan or Bahar Jashn, a rain-seeking and spring festival. Biruni wrote that Kayanian kings called it "Bahar Jashn." Other names include "Kouseh Barneshin" and "Ab Pashan" (water-splashing).
Vakhshnkam (Guardian of the Oxus)
Vakhshnkam festival honoring the guardian angel of the Jayhun (Oxus/Amu Darya) river. Biruni called "Vakhshankam" the angel of the Jayhun. The name comes from the Vakhsh River, the largest tributary of the Amu Darya.
Nowruz Rodha (Rivers New Year)
Nowruz Rodha or Rivers New Year, celebrating spring water flow after snowmelt. This day is "Farvardin-Rooz" (Farvardin day in Esfand month).
Goldan (Sprouting Festival)
Goldan (Flower Pot) festival, a day for planting flowers and sprouts for Nowruz. People sowed wheat, lentil, or mung bean seeds so they would sprout in time for the Haft-Seen table.
Shahnameh Millennium
Commemoration of the millennium of Shahnameh completion (Esfand 25, 389 Solar / 1010 CE). The Shahnameh is the Persian national epic and the greatest work of Persian literature.
Oshidar (Ukhshyat-ereta) Festival
Festival of Oshidar or Ukhshyat-ereta, the first Zoroastrian savior, at Lake Hamun and Kuh-e Khwaja. According to tradition, Zoroaster's seed is preserved in Lake Hamun, and Oshidar will be born from a virgin who swims there.
Rooftop Fire Lighting for Nowruz
Lighting fires on rooftops on the last night of the year to welcome Nowruz and dispel darkness. This ritual symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and beginning the new year with illumination.
Maidyozarem Gahambar
First Gahambar (Mid-Spring Feast), lasting 5 days (11-15 Ordibehesht). Celebrates the creation of the Sky, Ahura Mazda's first creation.
Maidyoshem Gahambar
Second Gahambar (Mid-Summer Feast), lasting 5 days (11-15 Tir). Celebrates the creation of Water, Ahura Mazda's second creation.
Paitishahem Gahambar
Third Gahambar (Harvest Feast), lasting 5 days (26-30 Shahrivar). Celebrates the creation of Earth, Ahura Mazda's third creation.
Ayathrem Gahambar
Fourth Gahambar (Herding Feast), lasting 5 days (26-30 Mehr). Celebrates the creation of Plants, Ahura Mazda's fourth creation.
Maidyarem Gahambar
Fifth Gahambar (Mid-Winter Feast), lasting 5 days (16-20 Dey). Celebrates the creation of Animals, Ahura Mazda's fifth creation.
Hamaspathmaedem Gahambar
Sixth and holiest Gahambar (Feast of All Souls), held during the 5 Gatha days/Panje at year's end. Celebrates the creation of Humans, Ahura Mazda's sixth and highest creation, and honors the Fravashis (souls) of the departed.
Ali-Akbar Dehkhoda Commemoration Day
Commemoration day of Ali-Akbar Dehkhoda, father of Persian lexicography and one of Iran's greatest scholars.
Tree Planting Day
Tree Planting Day in Iran, a day for planting trees and environmental conservation.
Nizami Ganjavi Commemoration Day
Commemoration day of Nizami Ganjavi, the greatest romantic epic poet of Iran.
Parvin Etesami Commemoration Day
Commemoration day of Parvin Etesami, the greatest female poet of Iran.
Hushang Shah Commemoration Day
Commemoration day of Hushang Shah of the Pishdadian dynasty, discoverer of fire in Iranian mythology. This day coincides with Sadeh festival.
Esfandgan (Adapted to Solar Calendar)
Esfandgan or Sepandarmazgan adapted to the current Solar Hijri calendar. This date (Bahman 29) is the approximate equivalent of the original festival date (5th of Zoroastrian Esfand), used for alignment with the official Iranian calendar.
Shah Abbasi Gahambar
A Thanksgiving Gahambar held annually by Kerman Zoroastrians in Dey month to commemorate Shah Abbas's decree stopping their persecution.
Tir-Ruzi Festival (Autumn)
The intersection of "Tir" day and "Mehr" month. In some central regions like Kashan (Ardehal), rituals similar to the Tirgan water festival are held on this day in autumn.
Tehran Day
The anniversary of the Constitutional law approval in which Tehran was legally recognized as the official capital of Iran for the first time.
Kashan Day (Sohrab's Birthday)
A cultural proposal to celebrate Kashan Day, coinciding with the birth of poet Sohrab Sepehri and the UNESCO-registered Qalishuyan rituals.
Ayathrem Gahambar (Creation of Plants)
The fourth Gahambar of the year, spanning 5 days (Mehr 20-24), giving thanks for the creation of plants and vegetation on earth.
Ram Ruz (Victory of Kaveh & Fereydun)
The day Fereydun and Kaveh the Blacksmith vanquished the tyrant Zahak. An ancient festival symbolizing the triumph of light and justice over darkness and tyranny.
Medes Commemoration Day
A commemoration of the Median civilization and kingdom, the first unified and powerful Aryan state on the Iranian plateau prior to the Achaemenids.
Keshmineh Festival
An ancient and mostly forgotten Iranian festival celebrated on the third of Shahrivar in pre-Islamic Iran.
Pahlavi Crown Commemoration Day
Commemoration of the creation of the exquisite Pahlavi Crown, which replaced the Qajar Kiani Crown and was used in the coronations of both Pahlavi kings.
First Autumn Festival
An ancient festival held near the end of summer, preparing farmers for the upcoming autumn and the major harvest season.
Makran Commemoration Day
Honoring the ancient and strategic Makran coastal strip in southeastern Iran, which has held immense military and trade importance since the Achaemenid era (known then as the Maka satrapy).
Paitishahya Gahambar (Creation of Earth)
The third of the six Gahambar festivals, giving thanks for the creation of Earth and coinciding with the grain harvest.
Amordadgan Celebration (Solar Hijri)
The Amordadgan festival, honoring the Amshaspand "Ameretat" (Immortality and Eternity), the guardian of plants. (Observed on the 3rd of Amordad in the official Iranian calendar).
Rey Commemoration Day
A day to honor Rey (ancient Rhaga/Rhages), one of the oldest cities in Iran and the world with thousands of years of continuous civilization.
Mid-Summer Festival
An ancient festival in the middle of the heat season, historically celebrated with water-splashing, joy, and giving thanks for summer crops.
Ziyarid Dynasty Commemoration Day
Remembrance of the Ziyarid dynasty in northern Iran, who remarkably contributed to preserving the Persian language and ancient traditions after the Islamic conquest.
National Caspian Sea Day
A day to honor the world's largest inland body of water, the blue jewel of northern Iran, recognizing its vast historical, ecological, and economic significance.
Shahrivargan Celebration (Solar Hijri)
The magnificent festival honoring the Amshaspand "Khashathra Vairya" (Good Kingdom/Domain). It falls in late Amordad due to the 31-day months of the official Solar Hijri calendar.
Ab Pashunak (Start of Summer)
A joyful festival marking the start of summer, celebrated with water splashing and wishes for a high-precipitation year.
Zabol Commemoration Day
Honoring Zabol, the mythological heart of Iran and birthplace of Rostam, on the anniversary of Shahr-e Sukhteh becoming a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Wheat Festival (National Agriculture Day)
An ancient festival coinciding with the wheat harvest season. In the national calendar, it is celebrated as Agriculture Day.
Tirgan Celebration (Solar Hijri)
The ancient Tirgan festival and veneration of Tishtar (god of rain), which is celebrated on the 10th of Tir according to the official calendar alignment.
National Damavand Day
Honoring the majesty of Mount Damavand, the roof of Iran and symbol of endurance, famously aligning with Tirgan and Arash's arrow launch.
Ardabil Commemoration Day
Commemorating one of Iran's oldest cities, the birthplace of the Safavid dynasty, and a major historical and mystical center.
National Persian Handwoven Carpet Day
Day honoring the Persian handwoven carpet, one of the most brilliant Iranian arts with a heritage spanning thousands of years.
National Flower and Plant Day
National Flower and Plant Day in Iran, celebrated alongside International Flower and Plant Day (June 15).
National Lion and Sun Day
National Lion and Sun Day, symbol of Iranian national identity, commemorated on the birthday of Majidreza Rahnavard.
Hamedan Day and Avicenna Commemoration
Day commemorating Hamedan (ancient Ecbatana), one of the world's oldest cities, coinciding with Avicenna's birthday.
Zagros Oak Forests Day
Day commemorating the Zagros oak forests, one of Iran's most important ecosystems that is facing destruction.
National Persian Gulf Day
National Persian Gulf Day, commemorating the expulsion of the Portuguese from the Strait of Hormuz by Imam Qoli Khan in 1622.
Shiraz Day
Day commemorating Shiraz, the city of poetry, flowers, and nightingales, coinciding with the Mid-Spring Festival (Baharbed).
Foundation of Achaemenid Empire
Cyrus II (Cyrus the Great) rebelled against Astyages, the Median king and his maternal grandfather, winning the Battle of Pasargadae (550 BCE). Uniting Persians and Medes, he founded the Achaemenid Empire—history's largest empire to that date, spanning from the Indus to the Aegean.
Fall of Babylon to Persian Army
On the 16th of Tishri (around 15-20 Mehr), Persian forces under Gobryas (Ugbaru) entered Babylon without battle. Nabonidus, the last Babylonian king, fled, and the city surrendered peacefully. This peaceful conquest marked a turning point in world history.
Cyrus the Great Day (Entry into Babylon)
According to the Nabonidus Chronicle, on the 3rd of Arahsamnu (7 Aban), Cyrus the Great personally entered Babylon, 17 days after the city fell to Persian forces. The chronicle states: 'Green branches were spread before him' and the people welcomed him magnificently. Cyrus sent greetings of peace and friendship to all cities.
Conquest of Egypt by Cambyses II
Cambyses II defeated Pharaoh Psamtik III at the Battle of Pelusium, making Egypt the 27th Achaemenid satrapy. He adopted the title of Pharaoh and took the Egyptian name "Mesuti-Ra" (Born of Ra).
Accession of Darius I
Darius I stabilized power after crushing the revolt of Gaumata (the false Bardiya) and fighting 19 battles in one year. He divided the empire into 20 satrapies, minted the gold Daric coin, and established the Chapar postal system praised by Herodotus.
Construction of Persepolis
Darius I ordered construction of "Parsa" (Persepolis) on the slopes of Mount Rahmat. Built on a 125,000 m² stone terrace, it served as the ceremonial capital for Nowruz and Mehregan celebrations. Construction spanned 150 years across multiple kings.
Completion of the Royal Road
The Royal Road was a 2,699 km paved highway connecting Susa (administrative capital) to Sardis (Lydia). With 111 relay stations where couriers changed horses, messages traveled at astonishing speed across the empire.
Battle of Marathon
Darius I's first invasion of Greece to punish Athens for aiding the Ionian Revolt and burning Sardis. The Persian force landed at Marathon (42 km from Athens) but was repelled by the Athenians. This setback led to Xerxes's larger invasion.
Battle of Thermopylae
In this three-day battle, Xerxes's army defeated 300 Spartans and 7,000 Greeks at the narrow pass of Thermopylae. The Persians then captured Athens and burned the Acropolis—revenge for the Athenian burning of Sardis.
Battle of Gaugamela
On October 1, 331 BCE at the plain of Gaugamela (near Mosul), Alexander's 47,000-strong army defeated Darius III's larger force. Darius fled the battlefield, and the 228-year-old Achaemenid Empire collapsed.
Burning of Persepolis
After capturing Persepolis, Alexander allowed looting of the treasuries. Reportedly 10,000 mules and 5,000 camels were needed to carry the gold and silver. Then the palaces burned—some say at the urging of Thais the Athenian, others call it revenge for the Acropolis burning.
Foundation of Sassanid Empire
Ardashir I, grandson of the priest Sasan, defeated Artabanus V (not IV) at the Battle of Hormozdgan, founding the Sassanid dynasty. He claimed descent from the Achaemenids and titled himself "Shahanshah of Iran"—the first use of this title.
Shapur I Captures Emperor Valerian
At the Battle of Edessa (modern Urfa, Turkey), Shapur I captured Emperor Valerian along with 70,000 Roman soldiers. This was the first time in history a Roman Emperor was captured alive—a humiliation Rome never forgot.
Academy of Gondishapur
Gondishapur (Jundishapur) in Khuzestan was the greatest intellectual center of the ancient world. The academy taught medicine, philosophy, astronomy, mathematics, and theology. Its teaching hospital became the model for Islamic hospitals.
Reign of Khosrow I (Anushirvan)
Khosrow I, titled "Anushirvan" (Immortal Soul) and "The Just," implemented sweeping tax, military, and administrative reforms. Chess and the book "Panchatantra" (Kalila wa Dimna) came from India, and Gondishapur reached its zenith.
Battle of al-Qadisiyyah
In this four-day battle near Kufa, the army of Rostam Farrokhzad (Sassanid general) was defeated by Saad ibn Abi Waqqas. Rostam was killed and the Kaviani Banner fell to the Arabs. This battle opened the way to conquer Ctesiphon.
Teachings of Zoroaster
Ashu Zarathushtra Spitama, prophet of ancient Iran, founded Mazdayasna (the Good Religion)—the first monotheistic faith. The triad "Humata, Hukhta, Hvarshta" (Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds) forms its ethical foundation.
Completion of Shahnameh
Abu al-Qasim Ferdowsi Tusi completed the Shahnameh after 30 years of composition, with approximately 50,000 couplets. This work narrates the mythological and heroic history of Iran from creation to the Arab invasion, saving the Persian language from extinction.
Jalali Calendar Reform
By order of Seljuk Sultan Malik Shah, Omar Khayyam and a group of astronomers at the Isfahan observatory created the Jalali calendar. They calculated the solar year as 365.2421985 days—with an error of only 1 day in 5,000 years.
Founding of the Pahlavi Dynasty
The National Consultative Assembly declared Reza Khan Mirpanj as Shah of Iran, founding the Pahlavi dynasty. Three days later, Reza Shah took the imperial oath.
Coronation of Reza Shah Pahlavi
The coronation ceremony of Reza Shah Pahlavi was held at Golestan Palace. He wore the Pahlavi Crown, specially crafted for this occasion.
Founding of the University of Tehran
The National Consultative Assembly passed the law founding the University of Tehran. Iran's first modern university was created by consolidating five existing colleges.
Unveiling of Women (Kashf-e Hejab)
Reza Shah issued the decree banning the Islamic veil. On this day, Queen Tadj ol-Molouk and the princesses appeared unveiled at the Tehran Teacher's College graduation ceremony.
Inauguration of the Trans-Iranian Railway
The Trans-Iranian Railway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Caspian Sea was officially inaugurated. This massive project was built without foreign loans, funded only by tea and sugar taxes.
Accession of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi
After Reza Shah's forced abdication by the Allies, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi ascended to the throne at age 22. Prime Minister Mohammad Ali Foroughi announced the transition of power.
Nationalization of Iranian Oil Industry
The National Consultative Assembly, during Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Mossadegh's tenure, passed the law nationalizing Iran's oil industry. This day coincided with Nowruz Eve.
1953 Iranian Coup d'État
Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Mossadegh was overthrown in a coup orchestrated by the US CIA (Operation Ajax) and British MI6 (Operation Boot), following his nationalization of Iran's oil industry.
White Revolution Referendum
The White Revolution referendum was held with widespread public participation. The reforms included land reform, nationalization of forests, profit-sharing for workers, women's suffrage, and the Literacy Corps.
Coronation of Mohammad Reza Shah and Shahbanu Farah
The coronation ceremony of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi and Shahbanu Farah was held at Golestan Palace. This ceremony took place 26 years after the Shah's accession, on his 48th birthday.
2,500-Year Celebration of the Persian Empire
The 2,500-year celebration of the Persian Empire was held at Persepolis and Pasargadae. Leaders and representatives from over 60 countries attended the ceremonies.
Constitutional Revolution Anniversary
Mozaffar ad-Din Shah Qajar signed the decree for constitutional government, leading to Iran's first constitution. This movement marked the beginning of democracy in Iran.
Imperial Iranian Air Force Founding Anniversary
The Imperial Iranian Air Force was founded on the same day as Reza Shah's coronation, when Iran officially received its first military aircraft.
Bank Melli Iran Founding Anniversary
Bank Melli Iran was founded by order of Reza Shah. It was the first Iranian bank with the exclusive right to print banknotes.
Modern Education System Founding Day
International Literacy Day coincides with the commemoration of Reza Shah's educational reforms that established compulsory free education in Iran.
Popular Uprising in Support of the Shah
After several days of unrest, the people of Tehran took to the streets and brought Mohammad Reza Shah back to Iran. From the monarchist perspective, this day marked the people's victory over political crisis.
Imperial Iranian Navy Founded
Establishment of the Imperial Iranian Navy by order of Reza Shah to protect the maritime borders.
Liberation of Azerbaijan Anniversary
The Iranian Army, by order of Mohammad Reza Shah, entered Azerbaijan and overthrew the self-proclaimed Azerbaijan Democratic Party government.
Mother's Day (Mothers and Infants Protection Society Anniversary)
Since 1960, December 16 (25 Azar) was celebrated as Mother's Day, marking the anniversary of the Mothers and Infants Protection Society founded in 1940 by Reza Shah's decree.
Royal Wedding of Mohammad Reza Shah and Farah Diba
The wedding ceremony of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi and Farah Diba was held at the Marble Palace. Farah Diba became the Shah's third wife and the only crowned empress of Iran.
Literacy Corps Founding Anniversary
The Literacy Corps was founded by order of Mohammad Reza Shah. This institution sent educated youth to villages to teach literacy.
Women's Suffrage Day in Iran
Iranian women gained the right to vote and run for office for the first time. This right was approved in the White Revolution referendum.
Reza Khan's Coup (1921)
Reza Khan Mirpanj, along with Seyyed Zia al-Din Tabatabaei, staged a coup against the Qajar government and seized power. This day marked the beginning of Reza Khan's path to kingship.
Free Public Healthcare Decree
Decree by Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi on public healthcare, declaring health as a right for all Iranians.
World Leprosy Day
World Leprosy Day, established by French journalist Raoul Follereau to raise awareness and support leprosy patients worldwide.
Treaty of Turkmenchay
The shameful Treaty of Turkmenchay during the Qajar dynasty, which led to the separation of northern territories from Iran.
Iran Air (Homa) Founded
Iran National Airlines (Iran Air) was established with the Homa (mythical bird) as its symbol.
Treaty of Paris (Herat)
The Treaty of Paris forced Iran to withdraw from Herat and recognize Afghan independence.
Goldsmid Boundary Treaties
The Goldsmid Treaties that determined Iran's eastern borders with Afghanistan and India (present-day Pakistan), separating parts of Baluchistan from Iran.
SAVAK Foundation Day
Foundation day of SAVAK (National Intelligence and Security Organization) for protecting Iran's national security.
Adoption of Imperial Calendar
The Iranian National Assembly and Senate changed the official calendar from Solar Hijri to Imperial (Shahenshahi).
Tehran University Charter Approved
The Tehran University establishment law was approved by the National Assembly.
Azadi Tower Registered as National Heritage
Shahyad (Azadi) Tower was registered as one of Iran's national monuments.
Nationalization of Iranian Fishery Industry
Nationalization of Iran's fishery industry after the Soviet contract expired, establishing the Iran Fisheries joint-stock company.
Ports and Shipping Organization Founded
Establishment of the Ports and Shipping Organization of Iran with expanded responsibilities for maritime industry management.
Battle of Nahavand Anniversary
The Battle of Nahavand, the last major battle between Sassanid Iran and Arab Muslims, known as the "Victory of Victories."
Mongol Invasion of Iran Begins
The commencement of Genghis Khan's invasion of the Khwarazmian Empire, leading to one of the most catastrophic events and massacres in Iranian and world history.
Nowruz Registered as UNESCO World Heritage
The ancient Nowruz festival was officially inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Opening of the First National Consultative Assembly
The first session of the National Consultative Assembly of Iran, the great achievement of the Constitutional Revolution, was opened in Golestan Palace.
Adoption of the Lion & Sun Tricolor Flag
According to Article 5 of the Supplementary Fundamental Laws, the official flag of Iran was defined as green, white, and red, bearing the emblem of the Lion and Sun.
Coronation of Darius the Great
Darius the Great, the fourth king of the Achaemenid Empire, ascended the throne after suppressing rebellions, leading the Persian Empire to its absolute zenith.
2,500-Year Celebration of the Persian Empire
An elaborate set of festivities celebrating the 2,500th anniversary of the founding of the Iranian monarchy by Cyrus the Great, held at Persepolis with world leaders in attendance.
Construction of the Trans-Iranian Railway Begins
Official commencement of the Trans-Iranian Railway project, seamlessly connecting the Caspian Sea in the north to the Persian Gulf in the south.
Inauguration of the Shahyad (Azadi) Tower
Inauguration of the iconic Shahyad Tower as the western gateway to Tehran and the symbol of "Modern Iran" during the 2,500-year celebrations.
Inauguration of Aryamehr (Azadi) Sports Complex
Opening of Iran's largest sports complex, built primarily to host the 1974 Asian Games.
Imperial Iranian Air Force Day (Historical)
Prior to the 1979 revolution, the 25th of Mehr was celebrated as the Imperial Iranian Air Force Day with magnificent airshows and aerial displays.
First Performance of the "Ey Iran" Anthem
The patriotic anthem "Ey Iran" was performed for the first time by Gholam-Hossein Banan, composed by Ruhollah Khaleghi with lyrics by Hossein Gol-Golab.
Liberation of the Three Iranian Islands
The powerful entry of the Imperial Iranian Navy to reclaim the three islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb in the Persian Gulf.
Yalda Registered as UNESCO World Heritage
Shab-e Chelleh (Yalda), one of the oldest Iranian traditions, was officially registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Sadeh Festival Registered as UNESCO World Heritage
The ancient Sadeh festival was registered as an Iranian Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
Kashf-e Hijab (Unveiling Decree)
Official implementation of the Kashf-e Hijab, allowing Iranian women to appear in public without veils.
Anniversary of the Battle of Chaldiran
The heroic but heavily outmatched battle of Shah Ismail I's Safavid army against the artillery-equipped Ottoman Empire.
Allied Invasion of Iran (WWII)
The military invasion of Iran during WWII by Soviet forces from the north and British forces from the south, despite Iran's declared neutrality.
National Asiatic Cheetah Day
A day to honor and protect the Asiatic Cheetah, a magnificent and critically endangered symbol of Iranian wildlife.
Establishment of the Red Lion & Sun Society
The official inauguration of Iran's grandest and oldest international humanitarian organization.
Minting of the Daric Coin by Darius the Great
Anniversary of minting the first globally standardized gold coin in the Achaemenid Empire by order of Darius the Great.
Creation of Two-Masted Ships (Maritime Day)
Expansion of the brave Achaemenid naval fleet and the construction of the advanced two-masted vessels by Artaxerxes I.
The Ignominious Treaty of Akhal
An imposed treaty by the Russian Empire on the Qajar dynasty, resulting in the severance of vast territories in Khwarazm, Turkmenistan, and Transoxiana from Iran.
Start of the Iraqi Invasion of Iran
The sudden and unprovoked air and ground invasion of Iranian borders by Saddam Hussein's Ba'athist army, sparking an eight-year destructive war.
Start of the Iranian Uprising in Rey
The beginning of the courageous uprising by the people of Rey against the Arab invaders while Yazdegerd III, the last Sassanid king, was still alive.
Opening of Qaleh Morghi Airport
The inauguration of Qaleh Morghi military airport, the very first airport in Tehran and Iran, marking the dawn of domestic aviation.
Start of Abu Muslim's Uprising
The beginning of the Black Standard uprising led by the intrepid Iranian general Abu Muslim Khorasani against the oppressive Umayyad Caliphate.
Establishment of Pars News Agency
Establishment of Pars News Agency by the order of Reza Shah, Iran's first official state news agency.
Return of the Proud Azadegan (POWs)
The magnificent return of brave Iranian prisoners of war (Azadegan) to their homeland after years of brutal captivity in Iraqi camps.
Shahr-e Sukhteh World Heritage Registration
The inclusion of one of the world's most awe-inspiring and advanced ancient city-states, Shahr-e Sukhteh in Sistan, on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Coronation of Ardashir Papakan
The coronation of Ardashir I after defeating the last Parthian king, Artabanus IV, founding the mighty Sassanid Empire and reviving the glory of Eranshahr.
Bombardment of the Majlis
The military assault on the Iranian Parliament building by the Cossack Brigade, commanded by the Russian Colonel Liakhov at the behest of Mohammad Ali Shah Qajar, starting the "Minor Tyranny".
Qarmatians Commemoration Day
Commemoration of the Qarmatian movement, an egalitarian and anti-Abbasid rebellion that established lasting strongholds in Khuzestan, Bahrain, and Yemen.
Hyrcanian Forests World Heritage Registration
The majestic and ancient Hyrcanian Forests in northern Iran were officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.
Victory of the Constitutional Revolution
The triumphant entry of Bakhtiari and Gilak constitutionalists into Tehran, deposing Mohammad Ali Shah and ending the "Minor Tyranny", successfully reviving the Constitution.
Liberation of Khorramshahr
After 578 days of Iraqi occupation, the city of Khorramshahr was liberated in Operation Beit ol-Moqaddas. This was Iran's greatest victory in the Imposed War.
Battle of Carrhae - Parthian Victory over Rome
At the Battle of Carrhae (modern Urfa, Turkey), Parthian General Surena with 10,000 cavalry crushed the Roman army under Crassus. This was one of the greatest defeats in Roman history.
Treaty of Erzurum (Second)
In this treaty, Mohammad Shah Qajar ceded the cities of Sulaymaniyah, Mandali, Naftkhana, and Khanaqin to the Ottoman Empire. This treaty was brokered by Russia and Britain.
Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day
Remembrance day for the Armenian Genocide by the Ottoman Empire, which began on April 24, 1915. Over one million Armenians were killed in this genocide.
Veresk Bridge Inauguration
The Veresk Bridge on the Trans-Iranian Railway was inaugurated by Reza Shah. This bridge is an engineering marvel in the Alborz Mountains.
Chogha Zanbil UNESCO World Heritage Registration
The Chogha Zanbil ziggurat (Dur Untash) became the first Iranian site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Kandavan Tunnel Inauguration
The Kandavan Tunnel on the Haraz Road was inaugurated by Reza Shah. This tunnel shortened the Tehran-North route by 13 kilometers.
Treaty of Zuhab (Qasr-e Shirin)
The Treaty of Zuhab was signed between Safavid Shah Safi and Ottoman Sultan Murad IV. This treaty ended 150 years of conflict but ceded Mesopotamia (modern Iraq) to the Ottomans.
Cyrus the Great - Birthday
Birthday of Cyrus the Great, founder of the Achaemenid Empire. This date coincides with the ancient Shahrivargan festival and was traditionally celebrated as Father's Day in ancient Iran. Note: This differs from Cyrus the Great Day (7 Aban - entry into Babylon).
Cyrus the Great - Death Anniversary
Death anniversary of Cyrus the Great, father of Iran and founder of the first world empire.
Cyrus the Great - Start of Reign
Start of Cyrus the Great's reign over Persia and then Media, the epoch of the Imperial Persian calendar.
Darius the Great - Death Anniversary
Darius the Great, third Achaemenid king who expanded the empire to its greatest extent. Builder of Persepolis and creator of the satrapy system.
Xerxes I - Death Anniversary
Xerxes I, son of Darius the Great, who completed Persepolis and led the expedition to Greece.
Ardashir I - Death Anniversary
Ardashir I, founder of the Sassanid Empire who restored Persian glory after the Parthians.
Shapur I - Death Anniversary
Shapur I, Sassanid king who captured Roman Emperor Valerian and built Naqsh-e Rostam reliefs.
Khosrow I Anushirvan - Death Anniversary
Khosrow I "Anushirvan" (Immortal Soul), greatest Sassanid emperor, renowned for justice and wisdom.
Nader Shah - Birthday
Nader Shah Afshar, founder of the Afsharid dynasty and the greatest military conqueror of Persia after Islam. He defeated the Mughal Empire and brought the Peacock Throne to Iran.
Nader Shah - Death Anniversary
Commemoration of Nader Shah Afshar, the Napoleon of Persia who saved Iran from disintegration.
Reza Shah Pahlavi - Birthday
Reza Shah Pahlavi, founder of the Pahlavi dynasty and father of modern Iran. He rescued Iran from chaos and led the country toward modernization.
Reza Shah Pahlavi - Death Anniversary
Anniversary of Reza Shah Pahlavi's passing in exile in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi - Birthday
Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, the second and last Shah of the Pahlavi dynasty who led Iran toward the "Great Civilization." He implemented extensive modernization programs and the White Revolution.
Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi - Death Anniversary
Anniversary of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi's passing in exile in Cairo, Egypt.
Shahbanu Farah Pahlavi - Birthday
Shahbanu Farah Pahlavi, wife of Mohammad Reza Shah and the first and only empress to be crowned in 2,500 years of Iranian monarchy.
Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi - Birthday
Reza Pahlavi, former Crown Prince of Iran and eldest son of Mohammad Reza Shah and Shahbanu Farah. He leads the Iranian opposition movement in exile.
Princess Ashraf Pahlavi - Birthday
Ashraf Pahlavi, twin sister of Mohammad Reza Shah and one of the most influential women of the Pahlavi dynasty. She was highly active in the United Nations and women's rights.
Princess Ashraf Pahlavi - Death Anniversary
Death anniversary of Princess Ashraf Pahlavi, twin sister of Mohammad Reza Shah, in Monaco.
Princess Farahnaz Pahlavi - Birthday
Farahnaz Pahlavi, second daughter of Mohammad Reza Shah and Shahbanu Farah. She lives in Paris and has stayed away from political activities.
Prince Ali-Reza Pahlavi - Birthday
Ali-Reza Pahlavi, second son of Mohammad Reza Shah and Shahbanu Farah. He pursued advanced studies in ancient Iranian history at Harvard and Columbia universities. He passed away in 2011.
Prince Ali-Reza Pahlavi - Death Anniversary
Death anniversary of Prince Ali-Reza Pahlavi, second son of Mohammad Reza Shah and Shahbanu Farah, in Boston, USA.
Princess Shahnaz Pahlavi - Birthday
Shahnaz Pahlavi, daughter of Mohammad Reza Shah from his first wife Princess Fawzia of Egypt. She is the eldest child of Mohammad Reza Shah.
Princess Leila Pahlavi - Birthday
Leila Pahlavi, third daughter and youngest child of Mohammad Reza Shah and Shahbanu Farah. She was interested in fashion and worked for Valentino fashion house. She passed away in London in 2001.
Princess Leila Pahlavi - Death Anniversary
Death anniversary of Princess Leila Pahlavi, youngest child of Mohammad Reza Shah and Shahbanu Farah, in London.
Princess Noor Pahlavi - Birthday
Noor Pahlavi, second daughter of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi and Yasmine Pahlavi. She is a granddaughter of Mohammad Reza Shah and Shahbanu Farah.
Princess Iman Pahlavi - Birthday
Iman Pahlavi, third daughter and youngest child of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi and Yasmine Pahlavi.
Princess Yasmine Pahlavi - Birthday
Yasmine Pahlavi (née Yasmine Etemad-Amini), wife of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi and mother of three princesses: Iriana, Noor, and Iman.
Zoroaster - Death Anniversary
Prophet Zoroaster, founder of Zoroastrianism and author of the Gathas. His ideas about good vs evil and free will influenced world religions.
Rudaki - Birthday
Abu Abdullah Jafar ibn Muhammad Rudaki, father of Persian poetry and the first great poet of the Dari Persian language.
Rudaki - Death Anniversary
Commemoration of Rudaki, father of Persian poetry, known as Adam of Poets.
Ferdowsi - Birthday
Hakim Abolqasem Ferdowsi Tusi, greatest Persian epic poet and author of the Shahnameh, who preserved the Persian language.
Ferdowsi - Death Anniversary
Commemoration of Hakim Ferdowsi, guardian of Persian language and culture.
Hafez Day
National day honoring Khwaja Shams-ud-Din Muhammad Hafez Shirazi, the greatest Persian lyric poet, known as "Tongue of the Unseen". The exact dates of his birth and death are not historically documented.
Saadi Day
Saadi Day commemorating Muslih-ud-Din Saadi Shirazi, the great Persian poet and writer, master of eloquence and ethics. April 21 is officially designated as Saadi Day.
Saadi - Death Anniversary
Commemoration of Saadi Shirazi.
Rumi - Birthday
Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Balkhi (Rumi), the greatest mystical poet in the world, author of the Masnavi.
Rumi - Death Anniversary
Shab-e Arus (Wedding Night) - Rumi called it union with the Beloved, not death.
Omar Khayyam - Birthday
Ghiyath al-Din Abu al-Fath Omar ibn Ibrahim Khayyam Nishapuri, Persian poet, mathematician, and astronomer.
Nizami Ganjavi - Birthday
Jamal ad-Din Abu Muhammad Ilyas ibn Yusuf Nizami Ganjavi, greatest Persian narrative poet.
Attar of Nishapur - Birthday
Farid ud-Din Attar of Nishapur, great Persian poet and mystic.
Jami - Birthday
Nur ad-Din Abd ar-Rahman Jami, last great classical Persian poet.
Sohrab Sepehri - Birthday
Sohrab Sepehri, contemporary Persian poet and painter who blended modern poetry with nature mysticism.
Sohrab Sepehri - Death Anniversary
Commemoration of Sohrab Sepehri, poet of water and mirror.
Forough Farrokhzad - Birthday
Forough Farrokhzad, pioneering Persian poet and filmmaker who became the voice of Iranian women.
Forough Farrokhzad - Death Anniversary
Commemoration of Forough Farrokhzad, the rebellious poet.
Fereydoun Farrokhzad - Birthday
Fereydoun Farrokhzad, Iranian singer, TV host, and poet who was assassinated in exile.
Fereydoun Farrokhzad - Death Anniversary
Commemoration of Fereydoun Farrokhzad, assassinated by agents of the Islamic Republic in Germany.
Nima Yushij - Birthday
Ali Esfandiari (Nima Yushij), father of modern Persian poetry who freed Persian verse from classical forms.
Nima Yushij - Death Anniversary
Commemoration of Nima Yushij, father of modern Persian poetry.
Malek-o-Shoara Bahar - Birthday
Mohammad-Taqi Bahar, poet laureate of Iran, great poet, scholar and historian who founded Persian prose stylistics.
Malek-o-Shoara Bahar - Death Anniversary
Commemoration of Malek-o-Shoara Bahar, national poet of Iran.
Iraj Mirza - Birthday
Iraj Mirza Jalal-ol-Mamalek, satirical and modernist poet of the Constitutional era who brought simple language to poetry.
Iraj Mirza - Death Anniversary
Commemoration of Iraj Mirza, innovative poet of the Constitutional era.
Avicenna (Ibn Sina) - Birthday
Abu Ali al-Husayn ibn Abd Allah ibn Sina (Avicenna), great physician and philosopher who wrote the Canon of Medicine.
Al-Farabi - Birthday
Abu Nasr Muhammad al-Farabi, "Second Teacher" (after Aristotle), who introduced Aristotelian logic to the Islamic world.
Suhrawardi - Death Anniversary
Shahab al-Din Yahya Suhrawardi, "Master of Illumination", founder of Illuminationist philosophy, martyred in his youth.
Nasir al-Din Tusi - Birthday
Nasir al-Din Tusi, great philosopher, mathematician, and astronomer who built the Maragheh Observatory.
Mulla Sadra - Birthday
Sadr al-Din Muhammad Shirazi (Mulla Sadra), greatest later Islamic philosopher, founder of Transcendent Theosophy.
Rhazes (Al-Razi) - Birthday
Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi (Rhazes), greatest clinician of the Islamic world who identified smallpox and measles.
Al-Biruni - Birthday
Abu Rayhan Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Biruni, polymath who excelled in mathematics, astronomy, and geography.
Jabir ibn Hayyan - Birthday
Jabir ibn Hayyan, father of chemistry who invented many chemical processes and laboratory equipment.
Maryam Mirzakhani - Birthday
Maryam Mirzakhani, Iranian mathematician and the first woman to win the Fields Medal. She was a pioneer in Riemann surface geometry.
Maryam Mirzakhani - Death Anniversary
Commemoration of Maryam Mirzakhani, mathematical genius of Iran who passed away at forty.
Farrokhroo Parsa - Birthday
Farrokhroo Parsa, the first female minister in Iranian history. She served as Minister of Education under Hoveyda and was executed after the revolution.
Farrokhroo Parsa - Commemoration Day
Commemoration day of Farrokhroo Parsa, Iran's first female minister who was executed on charges of 'spreading corruption on earth.'
Kamal-ol-Molk - Birthday
Mohammad Ghaffari, known as Kamal-ol-Molk, greatest modern Iranian painter and father of modern Persian painting.
Mahmoud Farshchian - Birthday
Master Mahmoud Farshchian, greatest contemporary Persian miniaturist who elevated the art to new heights.
Mahmoud Farshchian - Death Anniversary
Commemoration of Master Mahmoud Farshchian, the greatest contemporary Persian miniaturist.
Abbas Kiarostami - Birthday
Abbas Kiarostami, great Iranian filmmaker and winner of the Palme d'Or at Cannes. He introduced Iranian cinema to the world.
Abbas Kiarostami - Death Anniversary
Commemoration of Abbas Kiarostami, father of Iranian art cinema.
Habibollah Sabet-Pasal Commemoration Day
Commemoration day of Habibollah Sabet-Pasal, great Iranian entrepreneur and founder of Iran's first national radio and television organization.
Mohsen Pezeshkpour - Birthday
Mohsen Pezeshkpour, founder and leader of the Pan-Iranist Party and prominent figure in Iranian nationalism.
Mahmoud Hessabi - Birthday
Mahmoud Hessabi, father of Iranian physics and founder of modern physics education in Iran.
Mohammad Dabir-Siaghi - Birthday
Mohammad Dabir-Siaghi, prominent Persian scholar, researcher, and editor of classical Persian texts.
Rizali Khajavi (Dehqan Fadakar) - Birthday
Birthday of Rizali Khajavi, the selfless farmer who risked his life to save train passengers from a crash.
Mehdi Akhavan-Sales - Birthday
Mehdi Akhavan-Sales (pen name M. Omid), one of the greatest contemporary Iranian poets and pioneer of Nimai poetry.
Ezatollah Negahban - Birthday
Ezatollah Negahban, prominent Iranian archaeologist and discoverer of Marlik and Hasanlu.
Parviz Kardavani - Birthday
Parviz Kardavani, father of Iranian desert studies and founder of desertification research.
Hassan Anvari - Birthday
Hassan Anvari, prominent Iranian scholar and lexicographer, author of the Sokhan Encyclopedia.
General Mohammad Khatami (Pilot) - Birthday
General Mohammad Khatami, Commander of the Imperial Iranian Air Force and husband of Princess Fatemeh Pahlavi.
Behrouz Vossoughi - Birthday
Behrouz Vossoughi, legend of Iranian cinema and the most popular actor in Persian film history.
Hossein Gol-e-Golab Commemoration Day
Commemoration day of Hossein Gol-e-Golab, famous poet and writer who composed many national and patriotic songs.
Shahriar Shafiq - Birthday
Shahriar Shafiq, Imperial Iranian Navy officer and son of Princess Ashraf Pahlavi.
Rasoul Khadem - Birthday
Rasoul Khadem, world and Olympic wrestling champion and one of Iran's greatest sports legends.
Abdolhossein Zarrinkoub - Birthday
Abdolhossein Zarrinkoub, prominent Iranian scholar, historian, and writer, and one of the world's greatest Rumi scholars.
Aref Qazvini Commemoration Day
Commemoration day of Aref Qazvini, patriotic poet and composer of the Constitutional era.
Khaghani Shirvani Commemoration Day
Commemoration day of Afzal al-Din Badil Khaghani Shirvani, the great Persian qasida poet.
General Abdolali Badrei - Birthday
General Abdolali Badrei, senior commander of the Imperial Iranian Army.
Captain Houshang Samadi - Birthday
Captain Houshang Samadi, officer of the Imperial Iranian Navy.
Shah Abbas the Great - Birthday
Shah Abbas the Great of the Safavid dynasty, the greatest Safavid king who made Isfahan "Half the World."
Fereydoun Foroughi - Birthday
Fereydoun Foroughi, beloved Iranian pop singer and enduring voice of Persian pop music.
General Amir Hossein Rabiee - Birthday
General Amir Hossein Rabiee, Commander of the Imperial Iranian Air Force.
Mahsati Ganjavi Commemoration Day
Commemoration day of Mahsati Ganjavi, the famous female Persian poet of the 12th century.
Ali Daei - Birthday
Ali Daei, legend of Iranian football and former world record holder for international goals.
Shahriar Adl - Birthday
Shahriar Adl, prominent Iranian archaeologist and historian.
Mohammad Ali Fardin - Birthday
Mohammad Ali Fardin, wrestling champion and beloved Iranian cinema actor.
Ebrahim Pourdavoud - Birthday
Ebrahim Pourdavoud, father of modern Iranology and translator of the Avesta into Persian.
Ali-Akbar Davar Commemoration Day
Commemoration day of Ali-Akbar Davar, father of modern Iranian judiciary.
General Manouchehr Khosrodad - Birthday
General Manouchehr Khosrodad, Commander of the Imperial Iranian Army Aviation.
Mohammad Rahim Motaghi Iravani - Birthday
Mohammad Rahim Motaghi Iravani, entrepreneur and founder of Melli Shoes (National Shoes) of Iran.
General Gholam Reza Azhari - Birthday
General Gholam Reza Azhari, Chief of Staff and Military Prime Minister of Iran.
Amir Abbas Hoveyda - Birthday
Amir Abbas Hoveyda, Iran's longest-serving Prime Minister (13 years).
Sadegh Hedayat - Birthday
Sadegh Hedayat, Iran's greatest modern fiction writer and author of The Blind Owl.
Mohammad Nouri - Birthday
Mohammad Nouri, prominent Iranian pop and folk singer with an immortal voice.
Mohammad Ebrahim Bastani Parizi - Birthday
Mohammad Ebrahim Bastani Parizi, eminent historian, author, and history professor.
Anwar Sadat - Birthday
Anwar Sadat, former President of Egypt and a close friend of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi.
Kamal al-Din Isfahani Commemoration Day
Commemoration Day of Kamal al-Din Isfahani, known as the "Creator of Meanings," a great Iranian poet.
Yaqub Leith Saffari Commemoration Day
Commemoration Day of Yaqub Leith Saffari, reviver of the Persian language and founder of the Saffarid dynasty.
Ahmad Qavam - Birthday
Birthday of Ahmad Qavam, prominent politician, 5-time Prime Minister of Iran, and master calligrapher.
Mahmoud Khayami - Birthday
Birthday of Mahmoud Khayami, great entrepreneur, father of the Iranian auto industry, and founder of Iran National.
Khwaju Kermani Commemoration Day
Commemoration Day of the renowned mystic and poet, Khwaju Kermani.
Mohammad Taqi Tavakkoli Commemoration Day
Memorial for Mohammad Taqi Tavakkoli, entrepreneur and founder of Tabriz Machine Manufacturing and Tavakkoli Matches.
Amir Kabir - Birthday
Birthday of Mirza Taqi Khan (Amir Kabir), the greatest reformist Prime Minister of the Qajar era.
Mir Jalaleddin Kazzazi - Birthday
Birthday of Mir Jalaleddin Kazzazi, university professor, Shahnameh scholar, and renowned Iranian literary figure.
Homa Arjangi - Birthday
Birthday of Homa Arjangi, Iranian poet, national epic writer, and cultural researcher.
Sadeq Malek Shahmirzadi - Birthday
Sadeq Malek Shahmirzadi, prominent Iranian archaeologist, director of Sialk excavations, and university professor.
Naser Takmil Homayoun - Birthday
Renowned Iranian sociologist and historian, and professor at the Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies.
Jaleh Amouzgar - Birthday
University professor, eminent researcher of ancient Iranian languages and culture, and translator of Pahlavi texts.
Gholamhossein Sadighi - Birthday
The founder of sociology in Iran, Dr. Mossadegh's Minister of Interior, and Tehran University professor.
Shojaeddin Shafa - Birthday
Prominent man of letters, researcher, and imperial court cultural deputy who translated foundational worldly texts into Persian.
Ahmad Tafazzoli - Birthday
Linguist, Iranologist, translator of Pahlavi texts, and a pioneer of Middle Persian research.
Abd al-Qadir Maraghi Commemoration Day
Great Iranian musician, poet, and music theoretician of the 15th century.
Hatef Esfehani Commemoration Day
Memorial for Seyed Ahmad Hosseini, known as Hatef Esfehani, prominent poet of the Afsharid and Zand eras.
Mirzadeh Eshghi - Birthday
Birthday of Mirzadeh Eshghi, poet, freedom-seeking journalist, playwright of the Constitutional era, and director of "20th Century" publication.
Abu Sa'id Abu'l-Khayr - Birthday
Renowned mystic, great poet, and innovator of the mystical Rubai (quatrain) in the Persian language.
Hossein Ala' - Birthday
Prominent politician and diplomat, two-time Prime Minister of Iran, and Minister of the Pahlavi Court.
Javad Tabatabai - Birthday
Philosopher, political thinker, theoretician of the "Iranshahr" concept, and reviver of the philosophy of history in Iran.
Mohammad-Reza Shajarian - Birthday
Grand master of traditional Iranian music, singer, musician, and calligrapher; known as the "Khosrow of Iranian Singing".
General Parviz Khosravani - Birthday
Lieutenant General of the Imperial Iranian Army, Head of the Physical Education Organization, and founder of Taj Sports Club (now Esteghlal).
Hassan Taqizadeh - Birthday
One of the key leaders of the Constitutional Revolution, diplomat, scholar, President of the Senate, and an influential figure in modern Iranian history.
Shams Tabrizi Commemoration Day
Renowned 13th-century Iranian mystic and Sufi whose spiritual influence radically transformed the life and poetry of Rumi.
Kamal-ol-Molk - Birthday
Mohammad Ghaffari, known as Kamal-ol-Molk, the greatest contemporary Iranian painter and the founder of realist art in Iranian painting.
Molavi (Rumi) Commemoration Day
Commemoration of Jalal al-Din Mohammad Balkhi (Rumi), the unparalleled Persian mystic and poet whose verses have resonated globally.
Ahmad Kasravi - Birthday
Prominent historian, linguist, jurist, and writer who authored crucial works on the Constitutional Revolution and critiqued superstitions.
Sohrab Sepehri - Birthday
Distinguished contemporary poet, painter, and one of the most prominent figures in modern Persian poetry, renowned for his delicate, Zen-like observations.
Fereydoun Farrokhzad - Birthday
Legendary poet, singer, television showman in Iran, and patriotic political activist.
Iraj Afshar - Birthday
Champion bibliographer, famous researcher, manuscript expert, director of Ayandeh magazine, and the father of modern Iranian bibliography.
Vahshi Bafghi Commemoration Day
Commemoration of Vahshi Bafghi, a prominent 16th-century poet, creator of the "Vasokht" style and passionate lyrical epics.
M. R. Shafiei Kadkani - Birthday
Poet, prominent researcher, unparalleled professor of Persian literature, and editor of classical mystical texts.
Masud Sa'd Salman Commemoration Day
Commemoration of the renowned Ghaznavid poet and the most famous composer of "Habsieh" (prison poetry) in Persian literature.
Loris Tjeknavorian - Birthday
Renowned Iranian-Armenian composer and orchestral conductor who has created exceptional symphonic and film scores.
Sattar Khan - Birthday
National Commander of Iran and one of the bravest leaders of the Constitutional Revolution, whose heroic resistance in Tabriz saved the constitution from destruction.
Samuel Khachikian - Birthday
Iranian-Armenian film director, editor, and writer; a pioneer of thrillers and crime films in Iran, often dubbed the "Hitchcock of Iranian cinema".
Badr al-Zaman Gharib - Birthday
Prominent linguist, the only female permanent member of the Academy of Persian Language and Literature, and leading expert on the Sogdian language.
M. A. Eslami Nodooshan - Birthday
Renowned man of letters, researcher, translator, Shahnameh scholar, and a great figure of contemporary Persian literature devoted to Iranian identity.
Zakariya al-Razi Commemoration Day
Birthday of Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi, great Iranian physician, philosopher, and chemist; discoverer of alcohol and sulfuric acid.
Gholamreza Takhti - Birthday
Iran's most famous wrestler, Olympic champion, and icon of chivalry, sportsmanship, and humility in modern history.
Abbas Mirza Nayeb-os-Saltaneh - Birthday
The enlightened Crown Prince and brave commander of the Iranian army during the Russo-Persian Wars, who initiated military and modernization reforms in Iran.
Seyyed Zia'eddin Tabatabaee Commemoration
Prominent politician, journalist, and Prime Minister of Iran following the 1921 coup d'état, founder of the National Will Party.
Sadeq Rezazadeh Shafaq Commemoration
Scholar, translator, Senator, and one of the Iranian representatives involved in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Abdolmajid Arfaee - Birthday
Researcher, Elamitologist, and the sole Iranian expert in Elamite and Akkadian cuneiform; the first to directly translate the Cyrus Cylinder into Persian.
Rais Ali Delvari Commemoration Day
Freedom fighter and leader of the southern Iranian uprising in Tangestan and Bushehr against British colonial invasion during World War I.
Nasir Khusraw - Birthday
Great Iranian poet, philosopher, traveler, and thinker whose wisdom-filled poetry remains unparalleled.
A. Shapur Shahbazi - Birthday
Prominent archaeologist, historian, founder of the "Institute of Achaemenid Research," and one of the foremost experts on ancient Iranian history.
Jabir ibn Hayyan Commemoration
Great Iranian scientist, alchemist, and philosopher universally celebrated in the history of science as the "Father of Chemistry."
Ehsan Eshraghi - Birthday
Distinguished history professor, Safavid era expert, and permanent member of the Iranian Academy of Sciences.
Rabia Balkhi Commemoration Day
The first recorded female Persian poet (daughter of the Amir of Balkh). Her romantic poems and tragic love story with Bektash are legendary.
Ubayd Zakani Commemoration Day
The greatest satirist and humorist in classical Persian literature, who sharply yet sweetly criticized the societal corruption of his era.
Master Shahriar Commemoration Day
Great contemporary Iranian poet whose Turkish masterpiece "Heydar Babaya Salam" and exquisite Persian ghazals hold tremendous popularity.
Hossein Amanat - Birthday
Prominent Iranian architect and designer of the majestic Shahyad (Azadi) Tower, the universally recognized symbol of modern Tehran.
Fereydoon Moshiri - Birthday
A poet with a delicate, romantic temperament whose simple yet deeply emotional verses became incredibly popular among Iranians.
Mahlagha Mallah - Birthday
Librarian and environmental activist; known as the "Mother of Iran's Environment" and founder of the country's first environmental NGO.
Asadollah Alam - Birthday
Powerful Prime Minister and Minister of Court to Mohammad Reza Shah; his secret diaries remain one of the most vital historical sources of modern Iran.
Mohammad Taqi Barkhordar - Commemoration
Great entrepreneur known as the "Father of Iran's Home Appliance Industry," founder of numerous major factories including Pars Electric.
Shahab al-Din Yahya Suhrawardi - Commemoration
Renowned Iranian philosopher known as the "Master of Illumination," who synthesized ancient Iranian concepts of light with Islamic philosophy.
Bayazid Bastami - Commemoration
One of the greatest and most famous Iranian mystics and Sufis (Sultan of the Mystics), famed for introducing the concept of "Fana" (annihilation in the divine) to Sufism.
Mohammad-Ali Foroughi - Birthday
Erudite scholar, philosopher, and wise politician; the Prime Minister who masterfully managed Iran's transition of power in 1941 to save the country from total Allied occupation.
Adib al-Mamalek Farahani - Birthday
Nationalist and freedom-seeking poet of the Constitutional era whose patriotic verses deeply inspired the Iranian people against tyranny.
Shirin Bayani - Birthday
Distinguished history professor, researcher, and author, recognized as the foremost expert on the Mongol era in Iran.
Gen. Nematollah Nassiri - Birthday
General in the Imperial Iranian Army and the third director of SAVAK during the reign of Mohammad Reza Shah.
Jalal Sattari - Birthday
Prominent mythologist, writer, and translator who explored the labyrinth of Iranian culture and mythology through a profound psychological lens.
Mahmoud Khan Jam - Commemoration
Veteran politician and Prime Minister under Reza Shah, overseeing major events like the Kashf-e Hijab and the Treaty of Saadabad.
Ariobarzanes Commemoration Day
The courageous Achaemenid commander who fought to the last drop of blood against Alexander the Great's massive army at the Battle of the Persian Gate.
Youtab Commemoration Day
The brave sister of Ariobarzanes and a female Achaemenid commander, who fought shoulder-to-shoulder with her brother against Alexander and died in battle.
Pouria-ye Vali - Commemoration
Famous Iranian champion, mystic, and poet (Mahmoud Khwarezmi) who remains the eternal symbol of chivalry, forgiveness, and sportsmanship in Iranian history.
Abu Shakur Balkhi - Commemoration
One of the first great Persian poets of the Samanid era and a pioneer of the Mathnawi poetic form.
Houshang Seyhoun - Birthday
Master architect, painter, and sculptor known as the "Man of Enduring Monuments," creator of spectacular mausoleums for Iran's greatest cultural figures.
Jamshid Amouzegar - Birthday
A prominent Iranian Prime Minister, politician, and economist who played a crucial role in OPEC.
Kourosh Safavi - Birthday
A well-known Iranian linguist, author, and translator who left behind numerous works on semantics and literary history.
Babak Khorramdin - Birthday
The heroic leader of the Khurramite (Red-Clothed) movement based in Bazz Castle (Azerbaijan), who famously led a 22-year liberation guerrilla war against the Abbasid Caliphate.
Saeb Tabrizi Commemoration Day
The greatest ghazal poet of the 17th century and the most prominent master of the "Indian" (Isfahani) style of Persian poetry during the Safavid era.
Naser Engheta Commemoration Day
An Iranian nationalist researcher, historian, and author known for his valuable television programs and books on the history of Iran.
Arash the Archer Commemoration (Solar Hijri)
Commemoration of the legendary hero who put his soul into his bow to secure the borders of Iran (aligned with the official solar calendar).
Reza Fazeli - Birthday
A famous Iranian actor, film director, and political activist who produced patriotic and critical programs from exile after the 1979 revolution.
Arash the Archer Commemoration (Ancient Calendar)
The original and ancient commemoration of Arash the Archer, honoring his ultimate sacrifice on the historical day of Tirgan.
Khwarizmi Commemoration (Information Technology Day)
The brilliantly influential Iranian mathematician, astronomer, and polymath known globally as the father of "Algebra" and "Algorithms" (both derived from his work/name).
Commemoration of Bibi Maryam Bakhtiari
A brave Bakhtiari heroine and military commander who critically supported and led troops during the Constitutional Revolution and the conquest of Tehran.
Shah Ismail I - Birthday
The founder of the Safavid dynasty who remarkably reunited Iran into a powerful, independent empire after centuries of regional fragmentation.
Zabihollah Behrouz - Birthday
An Iranian writer, linguist, astronomer, and patriotic researcher who extensively investigated ancient Iranian scripts and culture.
Hashem Razi - Birthday
A prominent Iranologist and veteran researcher focused heavily on Zoroastrianism and ancient Iranian religions.
Mirza Aqa Khan Kermani Commemoration Day
A writer, intellectual, and prominent pioneer of the Iranian constitutional movement, who sacrificed his life for the political awakening of Iranians.
Simin Behbahani - Birthday
A contemporary ghazal poet often called the "Nima of the Ghazal," whose powerful and socially conscious verses made her the voice of the nation's conscience.
Manouchehr Sotoudeh - Birthday
A distinguished Iranologist, historical geographer, and university professor who authored hundreds of books on Iran's historical geography over his century-long life.
Ismail Samani - Birthday
Ismail ibn Ahmad Samani, founder of the Samanid Empire and the first major Iranian dynasty after the Arab conquest, who revived the Persian language.
General Reza Naji - Birthday
Seyyed Reza Naji, Major General of the Imperial Iranian Army and Military Governor of Isfahan Province during the Pahlavi era.
Hossein Agha Malek - Birthday
Haj Hossein Agha Malek, great Iranian philanthropist and founder of the Malek National Library and Museum, a treasure trove of Iranian art and history.
Saeed Nafisi - Birthday
Saeed Nafisi, great Iranian scholar, historian, translator, and poet who created valuable works in Persian history and literature.
General Surena Commemoration Day
Surena, the great Parthian general who crushed the Roman army at the Battle of Carrhae and killed the wealthy Crassus.
Fakhruddin Iraqi - Birthday
Fakhruddin Ibrahim Hamedani, great Iranian poet and mystic whose romantic and mystical ghazals are world-famous.
Majidreza Rahnavard - Birthday
Majidreza Rahnavard, young Iranian wrestler who was executed during the Woman, Life, Freedom uprising.
Alborz Zarei Commemoration Day
Alborz Zarei Moghaddam Kohsarak, mountaineer and environmental activist who died fighting wildfires in the Zagros forests.
Shah Tahmasp I - Birthday
Shah Tahmasp I, second Safavid king who reigned for 52 years, the longest reign in Safavid history.
Sheikh Bahai - Birthday
Baha al-Din al-Amili (Sheikh Bahai), great Safavid scholar, architect, mathematician, and poet who designed the Imam Mosque of Isfahan.
Mohammad Moein - Birthday
Dr. Mohammad Moein, great Iranian linguist and lexicographer, author of Moein Dictionary, the most important Persian dictionary of the 20th century.
Imam Qoli Khan Commemoration Day
Imam Qoli Khan, Safavid commander who expelled the Portuguese from the Persian Gulf and liberated the Strait of Hormuz.
Gholam-Hossein Banan - Birthday
Gholam-Hossein Banan, great Iranian classical singer whose voice was called "the Golden Voice".
Parviz Varjavand - Birthday
Parviz Varjavand Nasseri, archaeologist, university professor, and Minister of Culture and Art in the Bazargan cabinet.
Qa'ani Shirazi Commemoration Day
Mirza Habibollah Shirazi (Qa'ani), great Qajar-era poet titled 'Mojtahed al-Sho'ara' and 'Hassan al-Ajam'.
Jabbar Baghche-ban - Birthday
Jabbar Asgarzadeh (Baghche-ban), pioneer of modern education in Iran, founder of the first kindergarten and school for deaf children.
Abolfazl Khatibi - Birthday
Abolfazl Khatibi, prominent Shahnameh scholar and member of the Academy of Persian Language and Literature who worked on critical editions of the Shahnameh.
Parviz Rajabi - Birthday
Parviz Rajabi, historian, Iranologist, and translator who wrote important works on ancient Iranian history.
Rostam Shahzadi - Birthday
Rostam Shahzadi, Mobad-e Mobedan (High Priest) of Iranian Zoroastrians and a prominent Zoroastrian religious figure of the 20th century.
Ali Razmara - Birthday
General Ali Razmara, Prime Minister of Iran who was assassinated over oil policy disputes.
Fereydoun Joneydi - Birthday
Fereydoun Joneydi, Iranologist and researcher of ancient Iranian culture, founder of Neyshabour Foundation.
Nizam al-Mulk - Birthday
Abu Ali Hasan Tusi, known as Nizam al-Mulk, the great vizier of Seljuk Empire and founder of Nizamiyyah schools.
Habibollah Elghanian - Birthday
Habibollah Elghanian, Jewish-Iranian industrialist and entrepreneur, head of the Iranian Jewish community who was executed after the revolution.
Nader Jahanbani - Birthday
General Nader Jahanbani, Commander of Imperial Iranian Air Force and a pioneering Iranian pilot.
Sanai of Ghazni - Commemoration
Abu al-Majd Majdud ibn Adam Sanai of Ghazni, great Persian poet and pioneer of Persian mystical poetry.
Bloody Aban Uprising
The Aban 1398 uprising began after a sudden 200% increase in gasoline prices. Protests spread to over 191 cities across 29 provinces and were met with brutal suppression. Over 1,500 people were killed, 4,000 injured, and 12,000 detained.
Woman, Life, Freedom Uprising
The 1401 uprising began after the death of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini in the custody of the morality police. With the slogan "Woman, Life, Freedom," it became the largest protest movement in Iran up to that point, spreading to over 100 cities across all 31 provinces.
Tasiyan
Tasiyan: The grief suffocated in blood. On the night of January 18, 2026 (18 Dey 1404), following a call by Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, millions of Iranians took to the streets in over 400 cities. This is recognized as the largest popular uprising in Iranian history and was met with brutal repression.
Daghiyan
Daghiyan: The burning wound of children and youth who were slaughtered. On the night of January 19, 2026 (19 Dey 1404), despite the massacre of the previous night, people returned to the streets. This is recognized as the largest popular uprising in Iranian history and was met with brutal repression.
Ukraine Flight 752 Shot Down
On January 8, 2020, the IRGC shot down Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 with two surface-to-air missiles. All 176 passengers and crew were killed. 82 victims were Iranian and 57 were Canadian citizens.
1988 Prison Massacres
In the summer of 1988, by Khomeini's order and through "Death Committees," thousands of political prisoners were executed across Iranian prisons. Victims were primarily members of the People's Mojahedin Organization and leftist groups who had already served or were serving their sentences.
Iran Air Flight 655 Shot Down
On July 3, 1988, the USS Vincennes shot down Iran Air Flight 655, an Airbus A300 passenger aircraft, with a missile. All 290 passengers and crew, including 66 children, were killed. The plane was in Iranian airspace on its regular commercial route.
18 Tir Student Uprising
On July 9, 1999, student protests erupted following the closure of Salam newspaper and a midnight raid on Tehran University dormitories. This was the largest protest movement in Iran since the revolution up to that point, leading to six days of unrest.
Bam Earthquake
On December 26, 2003, a 6.6 magnitude earthquake devastated the historic city of Bam in Kerman Province. Over 26,000 people were killed and 30,000 injured. The ancient Bam Citadel was largely destroyed.
Green Movement
The Green Movement began after the disputed 2009 presidential election results declaring Ahmadinejad the winner. Millions of Iranians took to the streets with the slogan "Where is my vote?" Neda Agha-Soltan became the symbol of this movement.
Dey 1396 Uprising
The Dey 1396 uprising started in Mashhad and spread to over 80 cities. Protesters chanted against poverty, unemployment, and corruption, with "Death to Khamenei" heard widely for the first time.