The date of April 1st, 1979, is significant in Iranian history as it commemorates the Islamic Revolution and the founding of the Islamic Republic of Iran. For Iranians, this day is extremely important since it marks a turning point in history that altered the nation’s political climate, social structure, and sense of self.

1979: The Islamic Revolution in Iran

Iran commemorates the 45th anniversary of the historic referendum on the creation of the Islamic Republic, which was approved by the Iranian people.

The country was officially named the Islamic Republic of Iran after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, when the main leader of the Iranian revolution, Ayatollah Khomeini, was crowned with success. According to official data, over 98.2 per cent of Iranian voters endorsed the creation of an Islamic republic in the nation at a referendum that took place on March 30-31, 1979.

Since then, the Islamic Republic Day has been observed by the people of Iran on April 1 in regular years and March 31 in leap years on Farvardin 12 in the Iranian calendar.

Ayatollah Khomeini led the Islamic Republic’s founding and was appointed Supreme Leader of the newly formed state in 1979. 

The New Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Following the revolution, a new constitution founded on Islamic ideas was adopted by referendum on December 2 and 3, 1979, and went into force, replacing the Constitution of 1906. It established the political, social, cultural, and economic institutions and their relationships that must exist in society in order to strengthen the foundations of Islamic governance and propose a plan for the creation of a new system of government.

The New Constitution provides for the nomination of a person with the necessary credentials and public recognition as an official to a leadership position in accordance with the fundamental values of public administration and the ongoing need for leadership.

Commemoration Day of the Birth of Nation

Throughout Iran, people celebrate and take pride in Islamic Republic Day. Parades, speeches, and cultural activities are held on this day to honour the revolution’s accomplishments and to reiterate the ideals upon which the Islamic Republic is based.

Republic Day occurs in Iran over a two-week period of holidays connected to the observance of Nowruz, the Muslim solar calendar’s equivalent of the New Year. People make an effort to spend time outdoors and in the fresh air. Those without the means to visit the resort should head for the many parks and open spaces.

People who are going on a picnic are “armed” with eye-catching baskets and bags filled with a variety of food items, ranging from large bales of blankets and mangalas to bags filled with toys and food for the kids. Iranian families like to sit down to a hearty lunch under the backdrop of an apricot tree that is just starting to bloom and on the recently emerged fresh grass. Meat grilled over coals is an essential component of traditional cuisines.

In 2024, more than 1,400 towns and cities, as well as 35,000 villages across Iran, started celebrating this day.

On the anniversary of the revolution’s victory, people from all walks of life participated in processions supporting the Islamic Republic with Iranian flags and placards. Residents of Tehran, the capital of Iran, marched to Azadi Square (Freedom), where President of the nation made a speech.

Over 7,300 Iranian and foreign cameramen and journalists cover the large-scale rallies in Tehran and other cities, according to
Tasnim News Agency.

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