Islamic Republic Day

Islamic Republic Day is Iran’s national day and a public holiday, commemorating the announcement of the 1979 referendum results that established the Islamic Republic. Observed on 12 Farvardin in the Iranian calendar, it usually falls on 1 April, though the date can shift with the vernal equinox.

• Marks the 1979 referendum establishing the Islamic Republic
• Observed on 12 Farvardin in the Iranian calendar
• Usually falls on 1 April, but can vary with the equinox
• 98.2% voted for the Islamic Republic in the referendum

What it is

Islamic Republic Day is the most significant national holiday in Iran, marking the moment when the country officially became an Islamic Republic. It commemorates the announcement of the 1979 referendum results, in which an overwhelming majority voted to transform Iran’s political system. For Iranians, this day represents a turning point in their modern history, reflecting the collective will to shape the nation’s future. The holiday is a time for reflection on the ideals of the revolution and the values that have guided the country since.

Where it comes from

The origins of Islamic Republic Day lie in the aftermath of the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which ended the Pahlavi monarchy. Two months after the revolution’s victory, a referendum was held on 10 and 11 Farvardin to decide the country’s new political system. The choice presented to the people was clear: to establish an Islamic Republic, as advocated by Ruhollah Khomeini. On 12 Farvardin, the results were announced, with 98.2% voting in favor. This day has since been commemorated as the anniversary of the republic’s founding.

How it is celebrated

Islamic Republic Day is observed as a public holiday throughout Iran. Government offices, schools, and many businesses close for the day. The occasion is marked by official ceremonies, speeches, and gatherings that recall the events of 1979 and the referendum’s outcome. Media often broadcast documentaries and programs about the revolution and the establishment of the Islamic Republic. In some years, books and publications about the day and its significance are highlighted. The atmosphere is one of national reflection, with people considering the path their country has taken since the referendum.

Joining in

If you are in Iran on Islamic Republic Day, expect most public institutions to be closed and the streets quieter than usual, except near official gathering places. Major cities, especially Tehran, may host commemorative events or ceremonies, sometimes attended by government officials. Visitors can witness the sense of national pride and the importance placed on this day in the country’s modern identity.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Iranian Islamic Republic Day, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Iranian Islamic Republic Day on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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