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.
Historical Context
Protests began on December 28, 2017, in Mashhad against high prices and poverty. Unlike the Green Movement's urban middle class, this uprising started in provincial cities and among lower classes. Slogans quickly became political: "Reformist, Principlist, the game is over." The government blocked internet and Telegram. This was the first time since the revolution that anti-leader slogans were heard so widely.
Fun Facts
The Mashhad protests were reportedly initially organized by the principlist faction against Rouhani, but spiraled out of control. The slogan "Neither Gaza nor Lebanon" reflected public anger at the government's foreign policy. This uprising paved the way for the larger Aban 1398 and 1401 uprisings.
Related Events
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.