Title: The 19th of Dey: A Pivotal Turn in Iran’s Revolutionary History
A series of calculated actions by the former Pahlavi regime, intended to suppress a growing movement, instead became the catalyst that accelerated its momentum, marking a critical juncture in Iran’s modern political history.
A Regime’s Miscalculation
Following the widespread public expressions of loyalty to Imam Khomeini in the wake of the passing of his son, Hojjatoleslam Haj Agha Mostafa Khomeini, the Shah’s regime concluded that over 15 years of pressure had not diminished the Imam’s popular support but had, in fact, strengthened it. In response, the regime initiated a new provocation: the publication of a defamatory article targeting the leader of the Iranian people’s Islamic Revolution. Historical accounts from the Jamaran base indicate that the regime undertook both of these actions—the circumstances surrounding the passing of Imam Khomeini’s son and the publication of the article—with explicit approval from Western powers.
The Spark in Qom
The immediate and powerful reaction to the insulting article was a testament to the deep-seated public reverence for their leadership. In the holy city of Qom, theological students and scholars were at the forefront of the protest. Classes and congregational prayers at the seminaries were suspended in protest, and a large-scale demonstration began to form.
On the 19th of Dey (January 9, 1978), this mobilization culminated in a massive public protest. The peaceful gathering was met with a violent crackdown by regime forces, resulting in casualties. This event, which came to be known as the Qom uprising of the 19th of Dey, served as a powerful accelerant for the revolutionary movement, echoing the significance of earlier protests and solidifying nationwide resolve.
The Unraveling of “An Island of Stability”
The uprising stood in stark contrast to the international narrative being projected at the time. Just days earlier, a visiting U.S. president had famously referred to Iran under the Shah as an “island of stability.” The events of the 19th of Dey shattered this illusion, exposing the profound political crisis beneath the surface and demonstrating the vast gap between the regime’s international posture and the realities on the ground.
A Nation Awakened
The political ramifications of the 19th of Dey were immediate and far-reaching. The event triggered a wave of public awareness and political activism across different segments of society. Statements and messages from revolutionary leaders condemning the crackdown further galvanized the population. From increased distribution of political leaflets to open criticism of the regime in public forums and even within schools, the movement gained irreversible momentum. The public’s allegiance demonstrably shifted, and the legitimacy of the Pahlavi rule was critically undermined.
The 19th of Dey proved to be a decisive turning point. It transformed the rhythm of the opposition from a simmering discontent into an overt and widespread national demand for change, setting the stage for the subsequent events that would lead to the victory of the Islamic Revolution.