The Iran You Don't Know: Life Before The Islamic Revolution

Evalyn Sawayn 19 Jun 2025

**The Islamic Revolution of 1979 brought seismic changes to Iran, not least for women.** For many outside observers, and indeed for generations born after that pivotal year, the image of Iran is inextricably linked with the strictures of the Islamic Republic. This perception often overshadows a vibrant, complex past, a time when Iran was on a very different trajectory, embracing modernity and forging a unique identity on the global stage. Understanding "how was Iran before the Islamic Revolution" is crucial to grasping the profound transformation the nation underwent, moving from a period of rapid Westernization and societal liberalization to the conservative religious governance that defines it today. Before 1979, Iran was a nation undergoing significant shifts, a country grappling with its ancient heritage while enthusiastically adopting modern ways. It was a period marked by ambitious reforms, growing prosperity for some, and an increasing integration into the global community. This era, often romanticized in retrospect, offers a stark contrast to the present, revealing a society that was, in many ways, unrecognizable from its current form. *** ## Table of Contents * [A Glimpse into a Different World: Iran Before the Islamic Revolution](#a-glimpse-into-a-different-world-iran-before-the-islamic-revolution) * [The Pahlavi Dynasty: An Era of Modernization (1941-1979)](#the-pahlavi-dynasty-an-era-of-modernization-1941-1979) * [Mohammad Reza Pahlavi: The Shah's Reign](#mohammad-reza-pahlavi-the-shahs-reign) * [The White Revolution and Socio-Economic Shifts](#the-white-revolution-and-socio-economic-shifts) * [Women's Rights: A Beacon of Progress](#womens-rights-a-beacon-of-progress) * [Western Influence and Global Alignment](#western-influence-and-global-alignment) * [Seeds of Discontent: Beneath the Surface](#seeds-of-discontent-beneath-the-surface) * [Political Repression and Economic Disparities](#political-repression-and-economic-disparities) * [The Growing Opposition and Revolutionary Chants](#the-growing-opposition-and-revolutionary-chants) * [The Unfolding Upheaval: Leading to the Islamic Revolution](#the-unfolding-upheaval-leading-to-the-islamic-revolution) * [The Dawn of a New Era: February 11, 1979](#the-dawn-of-a-new-era-february-11-1979) * [Conclusion: A Nation Transformed](#conclusion-a-nation-transformed) *** ## A Glimpse into a Different World: Iran Before the Islamic Revolution To truly understand "how was Iran before the Islamic Revolution," one must step back into the 1960s and 1970s. Photos taken in Iran before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which saw the ousting of King Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, show what the vibrant Iranian life was like. This extended photo collection shows Iranian society prior to the 1979 Islamic Revolution and, it’s obvious that Iran was a very different world. It was a society that, while rooted in ancient Persian traditions, was also enthusiastically embracing Western fashion, music, and social norms. Cityscapes were dotted with modern buildings, cinemas showed international films, and universities buzzed with intellectual activity. Life before the Islamic Revolution was characterized by a sense of dynamism and aspiration. The capital, Tehran, was a bustling metropolis, its streets filled with cars, its shops stocked with goods from around the world, and its public spaces alive with people from all walks of life. This wasn't just a superficial adoption of Western styles; it was part of a broader national project to modernize and integrate Iran into the global economy and political landscape. The changes were palpable, extending beyond the urban centers to gradually influence broader society, creating new opportunities and challenging traditional structures. ## The Pahlavi Dynasty: An Era of Modernization (1941-1979) The period leading up to Iran's Islamic Revolution was a time of major upheaval and reform, largely orchestrated by the Pahlavi dynasty. From 1941 to 1979, Iran was ruled by King Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Shah. His father, Reza Shah Pahlavi, had initiated a sweeping modernization program in the early 20th century, laying the groundwork for many of the changes that followed. Mohammad Reza Pahlavi continued and accelerated these reforms, aiming to transform Iran into a modern, industrialized nation-state, a vision that dramatically shaped "how was Iran before the Islamic Revolution." ### Mohammad Reza Pahlavi: The Shah's Reign Decades before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the country was run by King Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, more known as the Shah. He envisioned Iran as a regional power, a bridge between East and West, and a country that could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with developed nations. To achieve this, he implemented ambitious development plans, investing heavily in infrastructure, industry, and education. Besides political restrictions, he turned the whole look of the country and its people 180°, adopting the Western ways from fashion to education. This meant encouraging Western attire, promoting co-education, and fostering a secular legal system. The Shah's rule was characterized by a top-down approach to modernization. He sought to centralize power, weaken traditional institutions like the clergy, and build a strong military. While these policies brought about significant material progress and expanded opportunities for many, they also sowed seeds of discontent among various segments of the population who felt their cultural or religious values were being eroded, or who were excluded from the economic benefits of modernization. ### The White Revolution and Socio-Economic Shifts A cornerstone of the Shah's modernization efforts was the "White Revolution," a series of far-reaching reforms launched in the early 1960s. These reforms included land redistribution, nationalization of forests and pastures, and, significantly, the expansion of literacy and education. The emphasis on education, particularly, had a profound impact. Easier access to education meant that a new, educated class emerged, fueling social mobility and changing the very fabric of Iranian society. Because of this and easier access to education, the middle class was born. This burgeoning middle class, often educated in Western universities or Western-style institutions within Iran, became a driving force for social change. They sought greater freedoms, economic opportunities, and a voice in governance, often aligning with the Shah's secular vision but sometimes also becoming critical of his autocratic methods. The growth of this middle class was a defining feature of "how was Iran before the Islamic Revolution," creating a dynamic society with evolving aspirations. ## Women's Rights: A Beacon of Progress Perhaps one of the most striking transformations in "how was Iran before the Islamic Revolution" was the dramatic improvement in women's rights and their role in society. It was also a world that was looking brighter for women. The Pahlavi era saw significant legal and social reforms aimed at emancipating women from traditional constraints. Women were granted the right to vote in 1963, were allowed to run for public office, and entered various professions that were previously closed to them. Before 1979, Iranian women wore miniskirts, earned advanced degrees, ran businesses, and lived lives that looked remarkably like their Western peers. They were visible in public life, participating in the workforce, attending universities, and engaging in cultural activities without the mandatory veiling or gender segregation that would later become commonplace. Universities, once largely male-dominated, saw a significant increase in female enrollment, with women pursuing fields like medicine, engineering, and law. This newfound freedom extended to personal choices, including fashion, allowing women to dress as they pleased, reflecting global trends. And, as everyone knows, when things get better for women, things get better for society as a whole. This era fostered a sense of empowerment and progress for Iranian women, making the subsequent imposition of strict rules by the Islamic Republic a particularly stark and painful reversal. The Islamic Republic imposes strict rules on Iranian life, and this meant that women, like those featured above, must be covered in draping fabric from head to toe in a way that would obscure all of their sexuality. This stark contrast highlights the profound societal shift brought by the Islamic Revolution. ## Western Influence and Global Alignment Iran's modernization under the Shah was deeply intertwined with its geopolitical position and its close alliance with Western powers, particularly the United States and Britain. Due to Iran's vast supply of oil, proximity to India, and shared border with the Soviet Union, Britain and the US fully backed the Iranian government. This strategic importance meant that Iran was a key player in Cold War politics, receiving substantial economic and military aid from the West. The convergence of interests between these states went deeper than Cold War politics. Western companies invested heavily in Iran's oil industry and other sectors, bringing Western technology, management practices, and cultural influences. Tehran, in particular, became a hub for international business and diplomacy, with a significant expatriate community. Sepah Square, the main square in Tehran, on April 20, 1946, would have been a witness to the early stages of this burgeoning international presence, a sign of the country opening up to the world. This alignment with the West also meant a cultural exchange, with Iranian students studying abroad, and Western media, fashion, and ideas flowing into the country, shaping the urban landscape and the aspirations of its youth. ## Seeds of Discontent: Beneath the Surface While the image of Iran before the Islamic Revolution often conjures scenes of prosperity and modernity, it's crucial to acknowledge that beneath this veneer, seeds of discontent were growing. Even before the Islamic Revolution, however, the Shah's grip on power was unsteady. The modernization project, while transformative, was not without its critics and its casualties. The rapid pace of change, coupled with the Shah's increasingly autocratic rule, created a volatile mix that would eventually erupt. ### Political Repression and Economic Disparities The Shah's drive for modernization often came at the expense of political freedoms. His regime was increasingly repressive, relying on the SAVAK, the secret police, to suppress dissent. Political opponents, including secular nationalists, leftists, and religious conservatives, faced imprisonment, torture, and execution. This suppression of political expression meant that grievances festered underground, unable to be addressed through legitimate channels. Furthermore, despite the oil wealth and economic growth, there were significant economic disparities. While the urban middle and upper classes benefited from the modernization, many rural populations and urban poor felt left behind. Inflation, corruption, and the perceived Westernization of Iranian culture alienated large segments of the population, particularly the traditional religious classes and those who felt their values were being eroded. It came about as the culmination of decades of popular discontent mixed with economic turmoil and an increasingly repressive regime. These underlying tensions were critical in understanding "how was Iran before the Islamic Revolution" truly perceived by its own people. ### The Growing Opposition and Revolutionary Chants As discontent mounted, various opposition groups began to organize, often clandestinely. Religious leaders, particularly Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who was exiled but maintained a strong following through smuggled cassette tapes, became powerful voices of dissent. His message resonated with those who felt disenfranchised by the Shah's secular policies and authoritarian rule. The songs most closely associated with the revolution are epic ballads, composed during and in support of the Islamic Revolution and in opposition to the Pahlavi dynasty. Before the revolution was consolidated, these chants were made by various political supporters, and were often recorded on cassette tapes in underground and home studios. These clandestine recordings and the powerful messages they carried played a crucial role in mobilizing popular support against the Shah, uniting disparate groups under a common banner of resistance. This grassroots movement, fueled by a combination of religious fervor, economic frustration, and a yearning for political freedom, was a powerful force that the Shah's regime ultimately underestimated. ## The Unfolding Upheaval: Leading to the Islamic Revolution The period leading up to Iran's Islamic Revolution was a time of major upheaval and reform, but also of escalating protests and violence. What began as scattered demonstrations gradually coalesced into a nationwide movement. Strikes paralyzed the economy, and massive street protests, often led by religious figures and supported by a broad coalition of students, workers, and merchants, became a regular occurrence. The Shah's attempts to quell the unrest through force only served to further galvanize the opposition and erode his legitimacy. The tragic reverberations from the ‘79 revolution actually represent an anomaly, a disruption of aligned interests. For decades, the Shah's regime had been a stable, albeit authoritarian, ally for Western powers. The idea that such a fundamental shift could occur, transforming a Western-leaning monarchy into a radical Islamic Republic, seemed almost unthinkable to many observers at the time. Yet, the internal pressures, coupled with the Shah's declining health and miscalculations, created a perfect storm that led to the collapse of his regime. Before and after the revolution, Iran has undergone two major revolutionary changes in the twentieth century, with the 1979 event being arguably the most impactful. ## The Dawn of a New Era: February 11, 1979 The climax of this tumultuous period arrived swiftly. On February 11, 1979, the Islamic Revolution swept the country. After months of widespread protests, strikes, and a gradual erosion of state authority, the Shah fled Iran in January 1979. Ayatollah Khomeini returned from exile on February 1, and within days, the military declared its neutrality, effectively ending the Pahlavi dynasty's rule. The government was replaced with an Islamic Republic, which continues to this day. This marked a profound and irreversible change in Iran's political, social, and cultural landscape. The revolution not only ended a monarchy that had ruled Iran for centuries but also fundamentally reoriented the country's identity, moving away from its secular, Western-leaning path towards a system based on Islamic jurisprudence. The world watched as a nation that had been a close Western ally transformed into a revolutionary state, signaling a new era not just for Iran, but for the entire Middle East. ## Conclusion: A Nation Transformed Understanding "how was Iran before the Islamic Revolution" reveals a country of stark contrasts and immense potential. It was a nation striving for modernity, where women were gaining unprecedented freedoms, a middle class was flourishing, and Western influences were visibly shaping society. Photos from that era paint a picture of a vibrant, open society, strikingly different from the one that emerged after 1979. The Pahlavi dynasty, particularly under Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, embarked on ambitious reforms, aiming to propel Iran into the ranks of developed nations, leveraging its vast oil wealth and strategic importance. However, beneath this veneer of progress lay deep-seated discontent, fueled by political repression, economic disparities, and a perceived erosion of traditional values. The Islamic Revolution of 1979 was not merely a sudden event but the culmination of these decades of tension, ultimately leading to a seismic shift that redefined Iran's destiny. The transformation from a secular monarchy to an Islamic Republic fundamentally altered every aspect of Iranian life, from governance and law to social norms and individual freedoms, particularly for women. The echoes of that dramatic shift continue to resonate, making the study of pre-revolutionary Iran essential for comprehending the nation's complex present. What are your thoughts on this dramatic transformation? Share your insights or questions in the comments below, or explore our other articles on global historical events.