Revolutionary photography, as a visual document, reflects the nature of events during social movements and addresses their underlying causes. The Islamic Revolution of Iran is no exception, having attracted the attention of many photographers. One of the most significant days of the Islamic Revolution, which has been extensively documented through numerous images, pertains to the largest demonstration held by the revolutionary people. This demonstration, conducted on Arbaeen (the fortieth day after Ashura), is considered the first massive march in the history of Iran.
Given that this event is intrinsically linked to the concept of "Islamic Awakening" within the revolutionary movement, analyzing the documentary photographs of this day based on the theory of Islamic Awakening seems essential. The primary question of this research is, to what extent do the photographs taken of the largest demonstration of the 1979 Revolution reflect the signs of Islamic Awakening? The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive and precise interpretation of the images captured by prominent photographers during this monumental march.
This analysis aims to reveal the profound hidden meanings embedded in each photograph. The research methodology is based on a descriptive-analytical approach, and the required data has been collected through library research. The findings indicate that the visual signs present in the photographs of the 1979 march, in alignment with the components of Islamic Awakening, demonstrate a direct and meaningful connection between the public actions of that day and the values and concepts of Arbaeen.
The Islamic Revolution of Iran is one of the most significant events in Iran's history and the recent century, resonating not only domestically but also globally, sparking diverse perspectives. The extraordinary events of this revolution attracted numerous photographers from different angles, with both local and foreign photographers capturing varied images based on their viewpoints.
The primary objective of the revolution, led by Imam Khomeini (RA) and driven by popular mobilization, was to confront global arrogance in all spheres, relying on the principles of Islam. Thus, it can be argued that this historic event marked an Islamic Awakening.
Islamic Awakening refers to a revival in light of authentic Islam, a renewal that fosters independence, justice, and transcendent values. Within this movement, the Islamic world strives to reconstruct its Islamic identity through steadfast resistance, preserving its faith, ideals, and existence against foreign domination and aggression. The behavioral and performative signs of people influenced by this awakening are of great significance—actions documented and disseminated by photojournalists during the 1970s.
To better understand the process of a revolution, photographs from that era can serve as visual records. Documentary photography as undeniable evidence captures these realities and conveys meanings to audiences—both contemporary and future—as historical documentation. One pivotal day in the Islamic Revolution of Iran was 29 Dey 1357 (January 19, 1979), coinciding with Arbaeen of Imam Hussein (AS). On this day, Muslims—particularly Shia communities—traditionally perform pilgrimages on foot to Imam Hussein’s shrine, following the path of Lady Zaynab (AS). During the revolution, this religious observance merged with political protest, as millions took to the streets in the largest demonstration of the revolution, commemorating the martyrs, supporting Imam Khomeini, and demanding revolutionary change.
This study aims to analyze photographs from the mass protest of 29 Dey 1357—aligned with Arba’een—by examining their overt and hidden messages through the lens of Islamic Awakening theory. The necessity of this analysis lies in uncovering the implicit messages within each photograph that influenced collective actions, providing a clear rationale for the demonstrators' behavior, particularly during the Arba’een march.
Thus, the primary objective of this research is to interpret documentary photographs of the largest protest during the 1979 Revolution based on the theory of Islamic Awakening. The main research question is to what extent does analyzing documentary photographs of the largest protest during the 1979 Revolution, based on the theory of Islamic Awakening, contribute to an accurate interpretation of these visual records? It appears that a proper reading, grounded in the theory of Islamic Awakening, can provide a comprehensive and precise analysis of documentary photographs from the largest protest of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.