Persepolis Reflection

The History Of Iran:

Throughout the years. Iran has been inviting attacks from other countries because of their wealth, resources, location, and influential power. The Iranian nation began in the seventh century B.C. but was later on destroyed by Cyrus the Great. It was one of the largest nations of it’s time which is why so many historical leaders tried to conquer it and have complete domination. But with Iran’s rich culture they were able to withstand these invasions. Many of the invaders even joined into this wealthy lifestyle and in some ways adapted the the Iranian ways.

When the twentieth century rolled around, Iran entered a new phase full of modernization. One of the many natural resources that was discovered during that period was oil. This new resource brought on new invasions and new influences from other countries. One of these many countries was Great Britain who had a very strong influence on the Iranian economy. Then the Cold War began and many of the oil companies were nationalized, the Shah returned and was used a puppet so that the United States and and Great Britain could do as they pleased in Iran. Then the white revolution began in 1963, the Shah begins to modernize Iran with ideas from the west.

As Iran was going through difficult times, many Iranians decided to take action and voice their opinions. Ayatollah Khomeini was one of these people and wrote books about overthrowing the Shah and organizing an Islamic revolution. Once it was discovered that he had written so many books discussing this topic he was exiled and sent to France where he continued writing. Suddenly, many Iranians began speaking out about how the government was not benefitting the progression of Iran. People became reckless and started protesting out against the Shah. To control the economy, the government laid down stricter rules.

During the 1970’s, the border dispute with Iran began to become a larger issue than it had been in the past. Everywhere, new issues were popping up around Iran that began affecting other countries. In 1974-75 Iran decided to support the Kurds in Iraq by supplying them with weapons and arms. This solved the border dispute, but terror blossomed between countries. The Shah decided to put Iran under martial to try and protect the country, but this caused more trouble. Iran was in a stage of dispute and crisis and finally the Islamic revolution erupted all around the nation. The Shah was finally overthrown and was sent into exile. With the Shah gone and Iran in need of a new leader, Khomeini returns and establishes an Islamic state run by the CLERGY.

With Iran recovering from it’s troublesome times from years earlier, a new power decides to take advantage of Iran’s weakness. Saddam Hussein invades Iran with Iraq’s powerful militia force. This stars a new war between nations that went on for eight years until it ended in 1988. A total of 1.7 million were wounded in this conflict and one million were declared dead. When the twenty-first century arrives a new president is voted as the new leader by popular vote. The president Amidagan was not a fundamentalist and had no religious beliefs. But compared to previous leaders, it is hopeful that he will create a fresh start for Iran.