Background Knowledge for Persepolis

Summary

This podcast delves into the historical context behind the graphic novel *Persepolis*, by Marjane Satrapi, exploring the evolution of Iran from the ancient Persian Empire to the Islamic Revolution of 1979. It examines key historical figures like Reza Shah and his son Mohammad Reza Shah, the rise of the Islamic theocracy under Ayatollah Khamenei, and the sociopolitical transformations that shaped modern Iran. The podcast also touches on the impact of Western influence, the CIA’s involvement in the 1953 coup, and the 1979 hostage crisis, offering a comprehensive background to better understand the story of *Persepolis* and its human narrative set in this turbulent era.

Takeaways

• 😀 The graphic novel Persepolis is set against the backdrop of the Persian Empire's history and Iran's modern political struggles.
• 😀 Persepolis is named after Persepolis, the capital of the ancient Persian Empire, which spanned from modern-day Iran to parts of India, Turkey, Greece, and North Africa.
• 😀 The rise and fall of the Persian Empire, including its conquest by Alexander the Great, provides the historical context for understanding Iran's shift through various political systems over time.
• 😀 The story of Persepolis takes place during the Iranian Revolution of 1979, a pivotal moment in Iranian history when the country shifted from a monarchy under the Shah to a theocratic Islamic Republic.
• 😀 The main character, Marjane Satrapi, uses Persepolis to address stereotypes and misconceptions about Iranians, offering a personal, autobiographical view of life in Iran during the revolution.
• 😀 Iran's history of political control shifted from authoritarian rule under Reza Shah Pahlavi (1925–1941) to more parliamentary power under his son, Mohammad Reza Shah (1941–1979).
• 😀 The nationalization of Iran's oil industry by Mohammad Mossadegh in 1951 led to a CIA-backed coup in 1953, restoring the Shah's power and further complicating US-Iran relations.
• 😀 The Shah's reign was marked by efforts to modernize Iran through economic, political, and social reforms, but it also involved heavy censorship and the use of secret police (SAVAK) to suppress dissent.
• 😀 The 1979 Islamic Revolution, led by Ayatollah Khomeini, overthrew the Shah and established a theocratic regime governed by Islamic law (Sharia), changing the cultural and political landscape of Iran.
• 😀 The graphic novel highlights the social and cultural shifts in post-revolutionary Iran, particularly the increased enforcement of conservative dress codes and the imposition of religious laws on daily life.

Q & A

What is the significance of the title 'Persepolis' in the context of the graphic novel?

The title 'Persepolis' refers to the ancient capital of the Persian Empire, which is located in modern-day Iran. The graphic novel draws on this historical context to explore the cultural and political shifts that occurred in Iran, particularly during the Islamic Revolution of 1979.

How does the map in the podcast help to understand the Persian Empire's size and influence?

The map shows the vast reach of the Persian Empire at its height in 475 BCE, covering regions from modern-day India in the east to Greece and North Africa in the west. This helps illustrate the historical power of the Persian Empire and the region's importance in ancient world history.

What role did Reza Shah Pahlavi play in shaping modern Iran?

Reza Shah Pahlavi, who ruled Iran from 1925 to 1941, was instrumental in modernizing Iran. He implemented authoritarian policies, including strict censorship and propaganda, to centralize power and push for economic, political, and social reforms, which set the stage for his son's rule.

Why did the U.S. and the Soviets push Reza Shah out of power in 1941?

Reza Shah was forced to abdicate due to the invasion of Iran by the British and Soviets during World War II. Both countries were concerned about his potential Nazi sympathies and the strategic importance of Iran, particularly its oil reserves and its position connecting the Soviet Union to the Arabian Sea.

What was the White Revolution, and how did it affect Iran?

The White Revolution, which took place during the reign of Muhammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, was a series of reforms aimed at modernizing Iran. It included land reforms, the granting of women's suffrage, and the nationalization of industries, most notably the oil industry. These changes helped modernize Iran but also alienated traditional sectors of society.

What were the consequences of the CIA-backed coup in 1953?

The CIA orchestrated a coup in 1953 to remove Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh after he nationalized Iran's oil industry. The coup restored the Shah to power, allowing the U.S. to secure better access to Iran's oil. This event significantly undermined Iranian sovereignty and led to long-term resentment toward Western intervention.

How did the Islamic Revolution of 1979 change Iran’s political system?

The Islamic Revolution of 1979 led to the overthrow of the Shah and the establishment of an Islamic theocracy. The country shifted from a monarchy with a parliament to a religiously governed state under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who implemented Sharia law and guided the country based on literal interpretations of the Quran.

What does the term 'theocracy' mean in the context of Iran’s post-revolutionary government?

In the context of post-revolutionary Iran, 'theocracy' refers to a system of government in which political leaders derive their authority from religious beliefs, specifically from Islamic principles. Iran’s theocracy is led by clerics, with the Supreme Leader holding ultimate political and religious authority.

How did the role of women in Iranian society change after the 1979 revolution?

After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, women in Iran were required to adopt conservative dress codes, including the wearing of the hijab, and had fewer social freedoms. The revolution marked a shift from the more liberal policies of the Shah's regime to a stricter, fundamentalist interpretation of Islam that restricted women's rights.

What was the significance of the Iran Hostage Crisis in U.S.-Iran relations?

The Iran Hostage Crisis (1979-1981) significantly worsened relations between the U.S. and Iran. Islamic students took 52 American diplomats hostage at the U.S. embassy in Tehran, viewing the embassy as a symbol of American interference. This event led to a severe diplomatic breakdown and lasting animosity between the two countries.

What is the Iran nuclear deal, and what happened to it in 2018?

The Iran nuclear deal, agreed upon in 2015, was a pact between Iran and world powers (U.S., U.K., France, China, Russia, and Germany) in which Iran agreed to limit its nuclear program in exchange for relief from economic sanctions. In 2018, U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from the deal and reinstated sanctions, citing Iran's non-compliance, though international inspectors had confirmed Iran was adhering to the terms.

How does *Persepolis* relate to the broader political context of Iran during the 1979 revolution?

*Persepolis* is a personal memoir set against the backdrop of the Islamic Revolution. Marjane Satrapi uses her childhood experiences to explore the challenges faced by individuals in a society undergoing extreme political change, offering insights into the human side of Iran’s transition from monarchy to theocracy.