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Interim Government of Iran

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Interim Government of Iran
دولت موقت ايران (Persian)
1979
Seal
Emblem
(de facto)[1]
Anthem: Ey Iran (de facto)[2]
ای ایران
"Oh Iran"
National seal:
Seal of Iran

"Civil flag:"
Civil flag of Iran (1964–1980).svg

"Naval Ensign:"
Naval Ensign of Iran (1979–1980).svg
Capital
and largest city
Tehran
Official languagesPersian
Religion
Shia Islam
Demonym(s)Iranian
GovernmentProvisional government
Revolutionary Leader 
• 1979
Ruhollah Khomeini
Prime Minister 
• 1979
Mehdi Bazargan
LegislatureRevolutionary Council (Only in 1979)
History 
11 February 1979
30–31 March 1979
4 November 1979
• Resignation of Interim Government and Establishment of the Interim Government of Iran (1979–80)
6 November 1979
Area
• Total
1,648,195 km2 (636,372 sq mi)
CurrencyRial
ISO 3166 codeIR
Preceded by		 Succeeded by
Imperial State of Iran
Islamic Republic of Iran
Part of a series on the
History of Iran

The Gate of All Nations in Fars
Prehistoric period
BCE / BC
Baradostian culture c. 36,000–18,000
Zarzian culture c. 20,000–10,000
Shulaveri–Shomu culture c. 6000–5000
Zayandeh River Culture c. 6th millennium
Dalma culture c. 5th millennium
Ancient period
Kura–Araxes culture 3400–2000
Helmand culture/Jiroft culture c. 3300–2200
Proto-Elamite 3200–2700
Lullubi Kingdom/Zamua c. 3100-675
Elam 2700–539
Marhaši c. 2550-2020
Oxus Civilization c. 2400–1700
Akkadian Empire 2400–2150
Kassites c. 1500–1155
Avestan period c. 1500–500
Neo-Assyrian Empire 911–609
Urartu 860–590
Mannaea 850–616
Zikirti 750-521
Saparda 720-670
Imperial period
Median Empire 678–550 BC
Scythian Kingdom 652–625 BC
Anshanite Kingdom 635 BC–550 BC
Neo-Babylonian Empire 626 BC–539 BC
Sogdia c. 6th century BC–11th century AD
Achaemenid Empire 550 BC–330 BC
Kingdom of Armenia 331 BC–428 AD
Atropatene c. 323 BC–226 AD
Kingdom of Cappadocia 320s BC–17 AD
Seleucid Empire 312 BC–63 BC
Kingdom of Pontus 281 BC–62 BC
Fratarakas 3rd-century BC–132 BC
Parthian Empire 247 BC–224 AD
Elymais 147 BC–224 AD
Characene 141 BC–222 AD
Kings of Persis 132 BC–224 AD
Indo-Parthian Kingdom 19 AD–224/5
Paratarajas 125–300
Sasanian Empire 224–651
Zarmihrids 6th century–785
Qarinvandids 550s–11th century
Medieval period
CE / AD
Rashidun Caliphate 632-661
Umayyad Caliphate 661–750
Abbasid Caliphate 750–1258
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Masmughans of Damavand 651–760
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Samanid Empire 819–999
Saffarid dynasty 861–1003
Ghurid dynasty pre-879 – 1215
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Ziyarid dynasty 930–1090
Ilyasids 932–968
Buyid dynasty 934–1062
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Hasanwayhids 959–1095
Ghaznavid dynasty 977–1186
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Shabankara 1030–1355
Seljuk Empire 1037–1194
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Eldiguzids 1135–1225
Atabegs of Yazd 1141–1319
Salghurids 1148–1282
Hazaraspids 1155–1424
Pishkinid dynasty 1155–1231
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Qutlugh-Khanids 1223-1306
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Kurt dynasty 1244–1396
Ilkhanate Empire 1256–1335
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Muzaffarid dynasty 1335–1393
Jalayirid Sultanate 1337–1376
Sarbadars 1337–1376
Injuids 1335–1357
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Mar'ashis 1359–1596
Timurid Empire 1370–1507
Kar-Kiya dynasty 1370s–1592
Qara Qoyunlu 1406–1468
Aq Qoyunlu 1468–1508
Early modern period
Safavid Iran 1501–1736
(Hotak dynasty) 1722–1729
Afsharid Iran 1736–1796
Zand dynasty 1751–1794
Modern period
Qajar Iran 1789–1925
Pahlavi Iran 1925–1979
Contemporary period
Iranian Revolution 1979
Interim Government 1979
Islamic Republic 1979–present
Related articles
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The Interim Government of Iran (Persian: دولت موقت ايران, romanized: Dowlat-e Movaqat-e Irân) was the first government established in Iran after the Iranian Revolution. The regime was headed by Mehdi Bazargan, one of the members of the Freedom Movement of Iran,[3] and formed on the order of Ayatollah Khomeini on 4 February 1979. From 4 to 11 February, Bazargan and Shapour Bakhtiar, the Shah's last Prime Minister, both claimed to be the legitimate prime minister; Bakhtiar fled on 11 February.[4] Mehdi Bazargan was the prime minister of the interim government and introduced a seven-member cabinet on 14 February 1979. Ebrahim Yazdi was elected as the Foreign Minister.[5]

The constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran was adopted by referendum on 24 October 1979. Before it could come into force on 3 December 1979, however, the government resigned on 6 November soon after the taking over of the American embassy.[6] The Council of the Islamic Revolution then served as the country's government until the formation of the first Islamic Consultative Assembly on 12 August 1980. Bazargan was elected to the first Islamic Consultative Assembly representing Tehran.[7]

Formation of the interim government

[edit]

When Ayatollah Khomeini, the leader of the Iranian revolution, came back to Iran after his 15-year exile, he appointed Mehdi Bazargan as the head of the interim government.[8] On 4 February 1979, Ruhollah Khomeini issued a decree appointing Bazargan as the prime minister of "The Provisional Islamic Revolutionary Government" (PRG).

His decree stated:

Based on the proposal of the Revolutionary Council and in accordance with the canonical and legal rights which originated from the vote of overwhelming majority of Iranian nation for leadership of the movement which has been represented in the vast gatherings and wide and numerous demonstrations across Iran and because of my utmost trust on your firm belief in the holy tenets of Islam and my knowledge of your precedent in Islamic and national struggles, I appoint you the authority to establish the interim government without consideration of any affiliation to any parties or dependence on any factional groups, for formation of temporary government to arrange organizing of country affairs and especially perform a referendum and refer to public vote of nation about turning the country into Islamic republic and formation of "The Council of the Founders" from the representatives of people to approve of constitution of new regime and to hold elections of representatives of parliament of nation on the basis of the new constitution. It is necessary that you appoint and introduce the members of the temporary government as soon as possible in concordance with the conditions I have clarified. All public offices, the army, and citizens shall furnish their utmost cooperation with your interim government so as to attain the high and holy goals of this Islamic revolution and to restore order and function to the affairs of the nation. I pray to God for the success of you and your interim government in this sensitive juncture of our nation's history.

— Ruhollah Al-Musavi al-Khomeini.[9]

Elaborating further on his decree, Khomeini made it clear that Iranians were commanded to obey Bazargan and that this was a religious duty.

As a man who, though the guardianship [Velayat] that I have from the holy lawgiver [the Prophet], I hereby pronounce Bazargan as the Ruler, and since I have appointed him, he must be obeyed. The nation must obey him. This is not an ordinary government. It is a government based on the sharia. Opposing this government means opposing the sharia of Islam ... Revolt against God's government is a revolt against God. Revolt against God is blasphemy.[10]

Khomeini's announcement came days before the army's official statement announcing the army's (Bakhtiar's last hope) neutrality in conflicts between Khomeini's and Bakhtiar's supporters. Bakhtiar fled on the same day, 11 February, the day that is officially named as Islamic Revolution's Victory Day.

The PRG is often described as "subordinate" to the Revolutionary Council, and having had difficulties reigning in the numerous committees which were competing with its authority.[11]

Members of the cabinet

[edit]
Cabinet of Mehdi Bazargan

Cabinet of Iran
Mehdi Bazargan and his cabinet in 1979
Date formed11 February 1979 (1979-02-11)
Date dissolved6 November 1979 (1979-11-06)
People and organisations
Head of stateRuhollah Khomeini
Head of governmentMehdi Bazargan
Deputy head of government"None"
No. of ministers18
Ministers removed7
Total no. of members27
Member party
History
ElectionNone
Legislature termNone
PredecessorCabinet of Bakhtiar
SuccessorInterim Cabinet of Revolutionary Council

According to Mohammad Ataie, the cabinet was made up of two main factions, moderates and radicals.[12] Most of cabinet members were nationalist veterans and sympathizers of the Freedom Movement of Iran and a few from the National Front.[13]

Bazargan reshuffled his cabinet several times because of resignation of ministers that were unable to cope with parallel sources of power. In several cases a ministry was supervised by an acting minister or Bazargan himself.

List of members of Bazargan's cabinet was as follows:

Portfolio Minister Took office Left office Party Ref
Prime Minister4 February 19796 November 1979 FMI[14]
Deputy Prime Minister
for Public Relations
and Administration		13 February 1979August 1979 FMI
August 19796 November 1979 FMI[14]
Deputy Prime Minister
for Revolutionary Affairs		13 February 197912 April 1979 FMI[14]
12 April 197929 September 1979 FMI
Deputy Prime Minister
for Transitional Affairs		13 February 197920 June 1979 FMI[14]
Minister of Interior13 February 197920 June 1979 FMI[14][15]
20 June 19796 November 1979 FMI[14][15]
Minister of Foreign Affairs13 February 19791 April 1979 NF[14]
1 April 197912 April 1979 FMI[14]
12 April 197912 November 1979 FMI[14]
Minister of Health13 February 197929 October 1979 JAMA[14][15]
Minister of Agriculture18 February 19796 November 1979 NF[14]
Minister of Information22 February 19796 November 1979 Independent[14]
Minister of Energy18 February 19796 November 1979 IAE[14]
Minister of Post22 February 19796 November 1979 FMI[14]
Minister of Finance18 February 19796 November 1979 NF[14]
Ministry of Housing13 February 19796 November 1979 IAE[14]
Minister of Labour13 February 197929 September 1979 NF[14][15]
29 September 19796 November 1979 FMI[14][15]
Ministry of Roads13 February 19796 November 1979 IAE[14]
Ministry of Industries18 February 19796 November 1979 FMI[14]
Ministry of Commerce18 February 19796 November 1979 FMI[14]
Minister of Culture22 February 197929 September 1979 JAMA[14]
29 September 19796 November 1979 FMI[14]
Minister of Education22 February 197929 September 1979 Independent[14]
29 September 19796 November 1979 FMI[14]
Minister of Justice18 February 197920 June 1979 NF[14]
20 June 19796 November 1979 FMI[14]
Minister of National Defense22 February 19792 March 1979 NF[14][15]
2 March 197918 September 1979 NF[15][16]
29 September 19796 November 1979 FMI[15]
Minister of Petroleum29 September 19796 November 1979 IAE[14]
Minister without Portfolio
for Revolutionary Projects		18 February 19796 November 1979 FMI[14]
Minister without Portfolio
for Plan and Budget		13 February 197929 September 1979 IAE[14]
29 September 19796 November 1979 FMI[14]
Minister without Portfolio
for Provincial Inspection		29 September 19796 November 1979 NF[14]
Minister without Portfolio
for Executive Affairs		29 September 19796 November 1979 FMI
Deputy Prime Minister for
Physical Education		February 19796 November 1979 NF
Deputy Prime Minister for
Environment		February 197923 August 1979 FMI

Resignation

[edit]

The Prime Minister and all members of his cabinet resigned en masse on 6 November 1979 after American Embassy officials were taken hostage two days earlier on 4 November 1979. In his letter to Khomeini, Bazargan stated that "...repeated interferences, inconveniences, objections and disputes have made my colleagues and me unable to continue [meeting] our duties ...".

Power then passed into the hands of the Revolutionary Council. Bazargan had been a supporter of the original revolutionary draft constitution rather than theocracy by Islamic jurist, and his resignation was received by Khomeini without protest, saying "Mr. Bazargan ... was a little tired and preferred to stay on the sidelines for a while." Khomeini later described his appointment of Bazargan as a "mistake".[17] Bazargan, on the other hand, described the government as a "knife without blade."[18]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ The Flag Bulletin, vol. XX, The Flag Research Center, May–June 1981, ISSN 0015-3370, The development of new symbols in Iran was a slow process. Monuments and other visible expressions of imperial power, especially those associated personally with the deposed shah, were quickly eliminated; the imperial crown immediately disappeared from the war flag and ensign. Nevertheless other flags continued in use – the civil flag and ensign (plain green-white-red stripes) and the state flag and ensign (the same stripes with the lion and sun in the center). The lion and sun also continued as the state arms
  2. ^ Sanam Zahir (2008), The Music of the Children of Revolution: The State of Music and Emergence of the Underground Music in the Islamic Republic of Iran with an Analysis of Its Lyrical Content, ISBN 9780549893073, A contrast to these two anthems is the song that was used during the revolution of 1979 as the de facto national anthem of the transition period. This song, Ey Iran is argued here...
  3. ^ Reza Safa (2006). The Coming Fall of Islam in Iran: Thousands of Muslims Find Christ in the Midst of Persecution. Charisma Media. p. 78. ISBN 9781591859888.
  4. ^ Mir M.Hosseini. "February, 5, 1979 A.D.: Bazargan Becomes Prime Minister". The Iranian history article. Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 17 July 2016.
  5. ^ Samih K. Farsoun, Mehrdad Mashayekhi (22 November 2005). Iran: Political Culture in the Islamic Republic. Routledge. p. 173. ISBN 9781134969470.
  6. ^ Nikou, Semira N. "Timeline of Iran's Political Events". United States Institution of Peace. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
  7. ^ Mehdi Noorbaksh. "Mehdi Bazargan's Biography". Cultural Foundation of Mehdi Bazargan. Retrieved 16 July 2016.
  8. ^ Bayram Sinkaya (19 June 2015). The Revolutionary Guards in Iranian Politics: Elites and Shifting Relations. Routledge. p. 79. ISBN 9781317525646.
  9. ^ چرا و چگونه بازرگان به نخست وزیری رسید؟ Archived 13 April 2008 at the Wayback Machine The commandment of Ayatollah Khomeini for Bazargan and his sermon on 5 February
  10. ^ Khomeini, Sahifeh-ye Nur, vol. 5, p. 31, translated by Baqer Moin in Khomeini (2000), p. 204
  11. ^ Arjomand, Turban for the Crown, (1988) p.135
  12. ^ Mohammad Ataie (Summer 2013). "Revolutionary Iran's 1979 endeavor in Lebanon". Middle East Policy. XX (2): 137–157. doi:10.1111/mepo.12026.
  13. ^ Amir Poursadigh (2003). The Determinants of the Revolutionary Disintegration of the State in Iran (PhD thesis). University of Tampere. p. 19.
  14. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag Mohammad Heydari (2008), "اخراجی‌های دولت", Shahrvand Magazine (in Persian), no. 43
  15. ^ a b c d e f g h "کابینه بازرگان ترمیم شد", Iranian History (in Persian), archived from the original on 17 July 2017, retrieved 25 November 2016
  16. ^ "تیمسار ریاحی از وزارت دفاع ملی استعفا داد", Iranian History (in Persian), archived from the original on 26 February 2019, retrieved 25 November 2016
  17. ^ Moin, Khomeini,(2000), p. 222
  18. ^ Lynn Berat (1995). Between States: Interim Governments in Democratic Transitions. Cambridge University Press. p. 132. ISBN 978-0-521-48498-5.
State of Iran
Preceded by Interim Government of Iran
1979 		Succeeded by
Cabinet of Iran
Preceded by Cabinet of Bazargan
1979 		Succeeded by
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