Video Presentation on Congressional Photo Exhibition

Iran: A Century of Struggle for Freedom

Date: October 7, 2010

Time: 12:00 noon to 5:00PM

Location: U.S House of Representatives – Foyer – RHOB

The Exhibition delineates a century-long struggle for freedom and democracy by the Iranian people in the course of major turning points in Iran’s history. The 2009 June uprising is the most recent example where the world witnessed the efforts of Iranian youth and women to end the religious dictatorship and the yearning by millions of Iranians for democratic change. Shoulder to shoulder with men, women played an important and unique role in breaking the barriers placed on their path, and persevered in the face of brutal repression.

The exhibition depicts four major historical turning points where Iranians brought about change without political foreign interference. You are invited to join us in this visual narration of Iran’s history

Traditional Iranian food will be served from 12 noon to 2:00 pm

Click here to view the invitation

The 4 major turning points in Iran’s history:

• 1906-1911: The Constitutional Movement: The revolution led to the establishment of a parliament in Iran. November 29, 1911 is considered to be one of the most significant events in the history of the women’s movement in Iran. On this day, during the constitutional revolution, the Tsarist Russia, supported by the British government, gave an ultimatum to the Iranian parliament. Three hundred women rose in support of the parliament, challenging the conservative factions and the mullahs who were elected as representatives. When the parliament decided to establish the first national banks without the financial assistance of foreign countries, women collected money and offered their jewelry to ensure the establishment of an independent bank.
• 1953: The Oil Nationalization Movement:  Led by Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadeq, this put an end to British dominance over Iran’s oil industry. During Dr. Mossadeq’s era, women were able to make great strides. In 1952, women won the right to vote in municipal elections. In 1953, a new social code was adopted, which gave women equal rights with that of men. Later the equal rights were taken away by Khomeini in 1980’s.
• 1979:  End of Monarchy: In the absence of a democratic coalition of secular forces, Khomeini asserted his standing as a “source of religious emulation” to hijack the revolution. From day one, the clerics sought to monopolize power and impose a religious dictatorship. A peaceful rally of half a million people in June 1981 against Khomeini’s religious regime turned to bloodshed by his revolutionary guards.
• The June 2009 Uprising: Iranian society expressed itself in the most powerful manner, making it clear that time has come for change. Millions called for an end to stoning, execution, forced veiling and compulsory religion. In the biggest rally of Iranians abroad in June 2010, the 100,000 participants called for creation of a new society, based on freedom, equality, democracy, respect for human rights and separation of religion and state; and a nuclear free Iran.