Sacred Defence Week

Sacred Defence Week is an annual Iranian commemoration marking the Iran–Iraq War, observed throughout Iran. Beginning on Shahrivar 31 in the Iranian calendar, it features military parades and events that honor the memory and sacrifices of those involved in the conflict.

• Begins on Shahrivar 31 in the Iranian calendar
• Marked by military parades across Iran
• Commemorates the 1980–1988 Iran–Iraq War
• Known locally as Hafte Defâ Moqaddas
• Honors veterans and those lost in the conflict

What it is

Sacred Defence Week is a national observance in Iran dedicated to remembering the Iran–Iraq War, which lasted from 1980 to 1988. Known locally as Hafte Defâ Moqaddas, the week is a time for Iranians to reflect on the hardships, sacrifices, and resilience shown during the conflict, which is often referred to in Iran as the 'Sacred Defence.' The week serves to honor veterans, commemorate those who lost their lives, and reinforce a sense of unity and national pride rooted in the country’s recent history.

Where it comes from

The origins of Sacred Defence Week lie in the events of September 1980, when the Iraqi president, Saddam Hussein, publicly renounced the 1975 Algerian agreement and announced the invasion of Iran, marking the start of the Iran–Iraq War. During the war, Iran’s leadership, particularly Ruhollah Khomeini, played a key role in mobilizing the population and organizing the armed forces. The week was initially known as War Week or Imposed War Week before being renamed to reflect the Iranian perspective on the conflict as a sacred defense of the nation.

How it is celebrated

The week is marked by military parades, which are held in cities across Iran. These parades showcase the country’s armed forces and military equipment, serving both as a tribute to those who served and as a display of national strength. In addition to parades, various ceremonies and events take place, including speeches, memorial services, and exhibitions that recount the history and experiences of the war. The atmosphere is one of solemn remembrance, with a focus on honoring the sacrifices made by soldiers and civilians alike. Many communities participate in local gatherings and activities that foster a collective memory of the conflict.

Joining in

Visitors in Iran during Sacred Defence Week can expect to see large-scale parades, especially in major cities. Tehran, the capital, often hosts the most prominent events, with military displays and public ceremonies. While the week is primarily a time of national reflection, respectful visitors are welcome to observe the public commemorations and learn about the history and significance of the Iran–Iraq War through exhibitions and local events.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Sacred Defence Week, 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

• Sacred Defence Week on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources listed above, and checked automatically before publishing. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.