Iran, also known as Persia, is a country in the Middle East. It is the second-largest country in the region and has a rich history and culture that dates back thousands of years. Iran is known for its beautiful architecture, including the ancient city of Persepolis and the stunning mosques and palaces of Isfahan. It is also famous for its carpets, which are considered some of the finest in the world. Iran is home to diverse landscapes, from deserts to mountains to lush forests, and its people are known for their hospitality and warm personalities. Despite its challenges, Iran remains a fascinating and vibrant country.

1. Mohammad Reza Pahlavi – the last Shah of Iran

Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was the last Shah of Iran, who ruled the country from 1941 until the Islamic Revolution in 1979. He was born on October 26, 1919, in Tehran, Iran. He was the eldest son of Reza Shah Pahlavi, the founder of the Pahlavi dynasty, who ruled Iran from 1925 until 1941. Mohammad Reza Pahlavi succeeded his father to the throne when he was just 21 years old, making him one of the youngest monarchs in the world at the time.

During his reign, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi tried to modernize Iran and bring it into the 20th century. He believed that Iran needed to become more industrialized and westernized in order to compete with other nations in the world. He launched a series of ambitious programs aimed at improving the country’s infrastructure, including the construction of roads, schools, hospitals, and other public facilities. He also sought to increase literacy rates and improve access to education for all Iranians.

Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was a strong supporter of the United States and worked closely with American officials to strengthen ties between the two countries. He viewed the US as a valuable ally in his efforts to modernize Iran and reduce its dependence on oil exports. In return, the US provided military aid and technical assistance to Iran, helping it to build up its armed forces and modernize its economy.

However, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s close ties to the US and his attempts to modernize Iran were not without controversy. Many Iranians viewed his policies as being too pro-western and felt that he was neglecting Iran’s traditional values and culture. They also resented the growing gap between the wealthy and the poor, which they blamed on the Shah’s economic policies. In the 1960s and 1970s, opposition to Mohammad Reza Pahlavi began to grow, particularly among religious leaders and intellectuals. They criticized the Shah’s autocratic rule and his suppression of political dissent. They also resented his attempts to westernize Iran and viewed it as a threat to Iranian culture and traditions.

The Islamic Revolution of 1979 marked the end of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s reign. A popular uprising led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini overthrew Shah’s government and established the Islamic Republic in Iran. The Shah was forced to flee the country and seek exile in Egypt and then later in the US. He died on July 27, 1980, in Cairo, Egypt, at the age of 60.

Today, opinions on Mohammad Reza Pahlavi remain deeply divided among Iran. Supporters see him as a modernizer who brought Iran into the 20th century and helped to establish its place in the world. They credit him with improving the country’s infrastructure, increasing literacy rates, and modernizing its economy. However, critics view him as an autocratic ruler who suppressed political dissent and neglected Iran’s traditional values and culture.

Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was a controversial figure in Iranian history. While he brought significant changes to Iran during his reign, his close ties to the US and his attempts to westernize the country created deep divisions among Iranians. His legacy continues to be debated today, with some viewing him as a modernizing force and others seeing him as a threat to Iran’s traditions and values. Regardless of one’s opinion of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, there is no doubt that his reign was a significant period in Iranian history that shaped the country’s future.

2. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini- the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Source: Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s Facebook

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in Iranian history. He is best known for leading the Islamic Revolution of 1979, which overthrew the monarchy and established the Islamic Republic of Iran. Born on September 24, 1902, in Khomeini, Iran, he was a religious scholar and a prominent Shia Muslim cleric.

Khomeini’s rise to prominence began in the 1960s when he began to openly criticize the government of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Shah of Iran. He accused the Shah of being a tyrant who was suppressing political dissent and neglecting the needs of the Iranian people. His speeches and writings gained him a large following among religious conservatives and those who were unhappy with the direction of the country.

In 1964, Khomeini was arrested for his criticism of the government and was sent into exile in Turkey. He then moved to Iraq, where he continued to speak out against Shah’s government and became a leading figure in the opposition movement. His speeches were broadcast on cassette tapes, which were smuggled into Iran and played in mosques and private homes.

The Islamic Revolution of 1979 marked the culmination of Khomeini’s efforts to overthrow Shah’s government. In January of that year, large-scale protests erupted across Iran, calling for the Shah to step down. Khomeini returned from exile on February 1 and quickly emerged as the leader of the revolution. He formed an interim government and worked to establish a new Islamic republic that would be governed by Islamic law.

One of Khomeini’s first acts as the leader of the Islamic Republic was to establish the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a paramilitary organization tasked with defending the new government against internal and external threats. He also implemented policies aimed at improving the lives of the Iranian people, including the nationalization of oil resources and the redistribution of land to farmers.

Khomeini’s vision of an Islamic republic in Iran had far-reaching consequences, both in Iran and throughout the Islamic world. His ideas influenced other Islamist movements in the region, including the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and Hamas in Palestine. He also had a significant impact on the Shia-Sunni divide, which continues to shape politics and society in the Middle East today. Despite his achievements, Khomeini’s leadership was not without controversy. His strict interpretation of Islamic law led to the persecution of political dissidents, and he was criticized for his handling of the Iran-Iraq War, which lasted from 1980 to 1988. His government was also accused of human rights abuses and the suppression of free speech.

Khomeini died on June 3, 1989, at the age of 86. His legacy as the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran remains a topic of debate and discussion in Iran and around the world. Supporters view him as a hero who led a revolution that brought about significant change in Iran and inspired others throughout the region. Critics, on the other hand, see him as a controversial figure who established an oppressive government that has had a negative impact on the Iranian people. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini was a complex figure who played a pivotal role in Iranian history. His leadership of the Islamic Revolution of 1979 and the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran had far-reaching consequences, both in Iran and throughout the Islamic world. While his legacy remains a topic of debate, there is no doubt that Khomeini’s ideas and actions continue to shape Iranian politics and society today.

3. Shirin Ebadi–   Iranian lawyer, human rights activist, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate

Shirin Ebadi is an Iranian lawyer, human rights activist, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Born in Hamedan, Iran, on June 21, 1947, she is best known for her work in defending the rights of women, children, and political prisoners in Iran.

Ebadi began her legal career in the early 1970s, after earning a law degree from the University of Tehran. She became one of the first female judges in Iran and was appointed as the first female president of the Tehran city court in 1975. However, following the Islamic Revolution of 1979, she was forced to resign from her position as a judge due to her gender.

Despite the challenges she faced as a woman in Iran, Ebadi continued to work as a lawyer and advocate for human rights. She established her own law firm in 1992, and her clients included many who were victims of human rights abuses. She also founded several organizations, including the Association for the Support of Children’s Rights and the Defenders of Human Rights Center, which aimed to promote human rights in Iran.

Ebadi’s work as a human rights activist and lawyer led to her being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003. She was the first Iranian and the first Muslim woman to receive the prestigious award. The Nobel Committee praised her for her “efforts for democracy and human rights,” and noted her work in defending women’s and children’s rights in Iran.

Since receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, Ebadi has continued to speak out against human rights abuses in Iran and around the world. She has been a vocal critic of the Iranian government’s treatment of political dissidents, women, and religious minorities, and has called for greater freedom of speech and democracy in Iran. In addition to her work in promoting human rights, Ebadi has also written several books on the subject. Her memoir, “Iran Awakening: A Memoir of Revolution and Hope,” was published in 2006 and became a bestseller. In the book, Ebadi reflects on her life as a human rights activist in Iran and her experiences as a woman in a male-dominated society.

Despite her achievements, Ebadi has faced significant challenges in her work as a human rights activist. She has been subjected to harassment, arrest, and intimidation by the Iranian government, and has been forced to leave Iran several times for her safety. In 2009, her Nobel Peace Prize medal was confiscated by Iranian authorities, although it was later returned to her.

Despite the obstacles she has faced, Ebadi remains a prominent voice for human rights and democracy in Iran and around the world. Her work has inspired countless others to stand up for their rights and to work towards a more just and equitable world. Her legacy as a champion for human rights and a fearless defender of the oppressed will continue to inspire generations to come.

4. Abbas Kiarostami– Iranian film director, screenwriter, poet, and photographer.

Abbas Kiarostami was an Iranian filmmaker, screenwriter, photographer, and poet. Born in Tehran, Iran, on June 22, 1940, Kiarostami is widely regarded as one of the most influential filmmakers in Iranian cinema and a major figure in world cinema. Kiarostami began his career as a painter and graphic designer, but he quickly turned his attention to filmmaking in the 1970s. He first gained recognition for his short films, which were widely praised for their poetic and philosophical themes. His feature-length films, which often explored the complexities of human relationships, were equally acclaimed.

Throughout his career, Kiarostami was known for his unique visual style and his ability to convey deep emotions through his films. He often used long takes, natural lighting, and improvised dialogue to create a sense of realism and intimacy. His films were deeply influenced by his love of Iranian culture and his interest in the relationship between the individual and society.

Some of Kiarostami’s most famous films include “Close-Up,” “Taste of Cherry,” and “The Wind Will Carry Us.” “Close-Up,” which was released in 1990, is a docudrama that tells the story of a man who impersonates Iranian filmmaker Mohsen Makhmalbaf. The film blurs the lines between fiction and reality and explores the relationship between art, identity, and truth.

“Taste of Cherry,” which was released in 1997, tells the story of a man who drives around Tehran in search of someone who will bury him after he commits suicide. The film is a powerful meditation on life, death, and the human condition, and won the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. “The Wind Will Carry Us,” which was released in 1999, follows the story of a group of journalists who travel to a remote village in Iran to document a traditional funeral ritual. The film explores themes of mortality, isolation, and the clash between traditional and modern values.

In addition to his work as a filmmaker, Kiarostami was also an accomplished photographer and poet. His photographs, which often focused on the beauty of everyday life, were widely exhibited around the world. His poetry, which was deeply influenced by the works of Rumi and Hafez, was also widely celebrated for its meditative and spiritual themes. Kiarostami passed away in Paris, France, on July 4, 2016, after a battle with cancer. His death was mourned by filmmakers and cinephiles around the world, who praised him for his contributions to the world of cinema and his ability to capture the human experience in all its complexities.

Kiarostami’s legacy as a filmmaker and artist continues to inspire and influence a new generation of filmmakers. His films have been praised for their unique vision, deep emotional resonance, and their ability to capture the beauty of everyday life. His contributions to Iranian and world cinema will continue to be celebrated for years to come, cementing his place as one of the most important and influential filmmakers of his generation.

5. Ali Daei– Iranian footballer

Ali Daei is a retired Iranian professional footballer and coach who is considered one of the greatest footballers in the history of Iranian football. He was born on March 21, 1969, in Ardabil, Iran, and grew up in a sports-loving family.

Daei began his football career at a young age and quickly showed his talent and passion for the sport. He played for several local clubs before signing with Esteghlal Tehran, one of the most popular and successful clubs in Iranian football. He quickly became a key player for the club and helped them win several championships.

Daei’s success with Esteghlal Tehran caught the attention of European clubs, and in 1997, he signed with Arminia Bielefeld, a German club. He played for several other European clubs, including Bayern Munich, where he set the record for the most goals scored in the Bundesliga by a non-German player. He also played for the Iranian national team, where he is still the all-time leading goal scorer with 109 goals.

Throughout his career, Daei was known for his incredible talent on the field and his dedication to the sport. He was a prolific goal scorer and had a natural ability to read the game and find the back of the net. He was also known for his leadership qualities and his ability to motivate and inspire his teammates.

Daei retired from playing professional football in 2007 and began a career in coaching. He has coached several Iranian football clubs, including Saipa, Persepolis, and Naft Tehran. He has also coached the Iranian national team, where he has helped guide the team to several important victories and achievements.

Daei’s contributions to Iranian football have been widely recognized and celebrated. He is regarded as a national hero in Iran and has received numerous honors and awards for his achievements. In 2009, he was inducted into the Asian Football Hall of Fame, and in 2014, he was named the ambassador of Asian football.

Daei’s legacy in Iranian football goes beyond his achievements on the field. He has also been a role model for young athletes in Iran and has worked to promote the sport and encourage young people to pursue their dreams. He has also been a vocal advocate for social justice and human rights in Iran, using his platform as a famous athlete to raise awareness and promote positive change.

In recent years, Daei has continued to work as a coach and mentor, helping to train and develop the next generation of Iranian footballers. His dedication to the sport and his commitment to making a positive impact on his community has made him a beloved and respected figure in Iran and around the world.

Ali Daei is a true legend of Iranian football, whose achievements on and off the field have made him a national hero and a role model for young athletes around the world. His incredible talent, dedication, and leadership have left an indelible mark on the sport and on Iranian culture, and his legacy will continue to inspire and motivate future generations of athletes and fans alike.

6. Ebrahim Raisi

Ebrahim Raisi is an Iranian conservative politician and the current President of Iran. He was born on December 14, 1960, in Mashhad, Iran, and grew up in a religious family. He has a degree in law and Islamic jurisprudence from the Shahid Motahhari University in Tehran.

Raisi began his career as a prosecutor in the Iranian judiciary in the 1980s, where he gained a reputation for being a tough and uncompromising judge. He quickly rose through the ranks of the judiciary, eventually becoming the head of the General Inspection Office in 2004, which oversees the conduct of all government officials in Iran.

In 2014, Raisi was appointed as the Prosecutor-General of Iran, where he oversaw the prosecution of several high-profile cases, including the mass executions of political prisoners in 1988, for which he has been criticized by human rights groups. He was also a candidate in the 2017 presidential elections, where he finished second to the incumbent President Hassan Rouhani. In June 2021, Raisi won the presidential elections in Iran, succeeding Rouhani as the country’s eighth president. His election has been controversial, as he has been accused of human rights abuses and of having close ties to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Raisi’s presidency has been marked by several challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and a struggling economy due to international sanctions. He has also faced criticism for his handling of human rights issues, including the detention of political prisoners and the treatment of protesters. Despite these challenges, Raisi has outlined several priorities for his presidency, including addressing the country’s economic problems, improving healthcare and education, and fighting corruption. He has also stated that he will work to improve Iran’s relations with other countries, particularly in the Middle East.

Raisi’s presidency has been met with mixed reactions from both inside and outside of Iran. Supporters of his conservative policies have praised him for his commitment to traditional Islamic values and for his efforts to tackle corruption and improve the country’s economy. However, his critics have accused him of being a hardline conservative with a poor record on human rights and of being a puppet of Iran’s Supreme Leader.

Ebrahim Raisi is a controversial figure in Iranian politics, known for his conservative policies and his tough stance on law and order. His presidency has been marked by several challenges, including a struggling economy and human rights concerns. While he has outlined several priorities for his presidency, his leadership style and policies will continue to be a source of debate and controversy both inside and outside of Iran.

7. Hassan Rouhani

Hassan Rouhani is an Iranian politician and scholar who served as the seventh President of Iran from 2013 to 2021. Born on November 12, 1948, in Sorkheh, Iran, he is considered a moderate within the Iranian political establishment.

Rouhani received a bachelor’s degree in judicial law from the University of Tehran in 1972 and a master’s degree in law in 1974 from Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland. He later earned a Ph.D. in law from Glasgow Caledonian University in 1999. Rouhani’s political career began in the early 1980s when he was elected to the Iranian Parliament, where he served until 2000. During his time in Parliament, he served as the deputy speaker and was involved in various committees, including the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee.

In 2003, Rouhani was appointed as the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) by then-President Mohammad Khatami. As the head of the SNSC, Rouhani played a key role in negotiations with the international community over Iran’s nuclear program. In 2013, Rouhani ran for the presidency of Iran as a moderate candidate, promising to improve the economy, promote civil liberties, and engage in diplomatic outreach to the international community. He won the election in a landslide, receiving over 50% of the vote.

During his presidency, Rouhani oversaw a number of significant developments in Iran, including the historic 2015 nuclear deal with the United States, China, Russia, and the European Union. The deal lifted economic sanctions on Iran in exchange for its agreement to limit its nuclear program. Rouhani also made efforts to improve the country’s human rights record, calling for greater freedom and releasing political prisoners. He also promoted policies aimed at improving the economy, including efforts to reduce inflation and boost foreign investment.

However, Rouhani faced criticism from both conservatives and reformists in Iran for not doing enough to implement his promises and for failing to make significant progress on issues such as corruption and human rights. In the 2021 presidential election, Rouhani was unable to run for a third term due to term limits. His successor, Ebrahim Raisi, was elected president, marking a shift to a more conservative political agenda.

Despite this, Rouhani’s legacy as a moderate politician who sought to engage with the international community and promote economic and social reforms remains significant. His presidency was marked by several achievements, including the nuclear deal, improved relations with the West, and a relatively stable economy.

Hassan Rouhani is a significant figure in Iranian politics, known for his moderate stance and efforts to engage with the international community. His presidency was marked by several achievements, including the nuclear deal and efforts to improve the economy and human rights in Iran. While he faced criticism from both conservatives and reformists, his legacy as a moderate politician who sought to promote positive change in Iran remains important.

8. Hassan Khosrowshahi

Hassan Khosrowshahi is a prominent Iranian businessman and philanthropist, who has made significant contributions to the country’s economy and society. He was born on January 1, 1940, in Tehran, Iran. He is the son of the late Abolqassem Khosrowshahi, who was a renowned Iranian lawyer and judge.

Hassan Khosrowshahi started his career in business at a young age, and his entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish a number of successful companies. In 1963, he founded Pak Dairy Company, which quickly became one of the largest and most successful dairy companies in Iran. He later founded a number of other companies, including Pak Leather Company, Pak Dairy Farms, and Pak Holding Company.

In addition to his business ventures, Hassan Khosrowshahi is also known for his philanthropic work. He has donated millions of dollars to various causes, including education, healthcare, and the arts. He is a member of the board of trustees of the Asia Society and a founding member of the American-Iranian Council.

One of Hassan Khosrowshahi’s most significant contributions to Iran’s economy was his role in the establishment of the Tehran Stock Exchange. He was instrumental in the creation of the exchange, which has since become one of the largest and most active stock markets in the Middle East. He also played a key role in the establishment of the Iranian Venture Capital Association, which has helped to support the growth of Iran’s start-up ecosystem.

Hassan Khosrowshahi’s contributions to Iranian society have not gone unnoticed. In 2005, he was awarded the Legion d’Honneur, the highest civilian award in France, for his contributions to the fields of business and philanthropy. He has also received numerous other awards and honors throughout his career.

Despite his success in business and philanthropy, Hassan Khosrowshahi has faced his share of challenges. In the 1970s, he was forced to flee Iran due to the political unrest and violence that swept the country. He later returned to Iran and continued his business ventures, but he faced additional challenges in the wake of the Iranian Revolution in 1979. Despite these difficulties, he remained committed to building a better future for his country and its people.

Today, Hassan Khosrowshahi remains an active participant in Iran’s business and philanthropic communities. He continues to work to support the growth of Iran’s economy and to improve the lives of its citizens. His legacy as a successful entrepreneur and generous philanthropist has inspired many Iranians, and his contributions to his country will continue to be remembered for years to come.

Hassan Khosrowshahi is a remarkable figure in Iran’s business and philanthropic communities. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to philanthropy have helped to support the growth of Iran’s economy and to improve the lives of its citizens. His contributions to Iranian society will continue to be remembered and celebrated for many years to come.

9. Omid Kordestani

Omid Kordestani is a renowned Iranian-American businessman who has made significant contributions to the tech industry. He was born on September 19, 1963, in Tehran, Iran, and moved to the United States in 1978 to attend college. He is currently the executive chairman of Twitter and has held several senior positions at Google, including senior vice president of global sales and business development.

Omid Kordestani started his career in Silicon Valley in the late 1980s, working for several tech startups before joining Netscape Communications in 1995. He played a key role in the company’s initial public offering in 1995, which was one of the most successful in tech history. He later joined Google in 1999, when the company was still a startup, and helped to build its sales and marketing operations.

During his time at Google, Omid Kordestani played a key role in the company’s growth and success. He helped to establish Google as the dominant player in the search engine market and oversaw the company’s global sales and marketing efforts. He was also instrumental in the company’s expansion into new markets, including China and India.

In 2009, Omid Kordestani left Google to pursue other opportunities in the tech industry. He served as the executive chairman of Vodafone Group, one of the world’s largest telecommunications companies, before returning to Google in 2014 as the chief business officer. He held this position until 2015 when he left the company to join Twitter as its executive chairman.

At Twitter, Omid Kordestani has played a key role in the company’s efforts to grow its user base and increase revenue. He has overseen the development of new advertising products and helped to build partnerships with major brands and media companies. Under his leadership, Twitter has continued to evolve as a platform for real-time news and information and has become an important tool for journalists, politicians, and activists around the world.

Outside of his work in the tech industry, Omid Kordestani is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He has donated millions of dollars to various causes, including education, healthcare, and the arts. He is a founding member of the Pars Equality Center, a nonprofit organization that provides support to Iranian Americans and other immigrants in the United States. Omid Kordestani’s success in the tech industry and his dedication to philanthropy have made him a respected and influential figure in both Silicon Valley and the Iranian-American community. He has been recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2016.

Omid Kordestani is a highly successful and respected figure in the tech industry, with a long track record of building successful companies and driving growth and innovation. His dedication to philanthropy and his commitment to supporting the Iranian-American community has also made him a role model for many. As he continues to lead Twitter and pursue other opportunities in the tech industry, he is sure to leave a lasting impact on the world of business and beyond.

10. Shohreh Aghdashloo

Shohreh Aghdashloo is a renowned Iranian-American actress who has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. She was born on May 11, 1952, in Tehran, Iran, and began her acting career in her home country before moving to the United States in 1978. Aghdashloo has since become a respected and influential figure in Hollywood, with numerous film and television credits to her name.

Aghdashloo began her acting career in Iran in the early 1970s, starring in a number of films and television shows. Her breakout role came in the 1977 film “The Report,” which won critical acclaim and established her as one of Iran’s most talented actresses. She continued to work in Iran throughout the 1970s and 1980s, even after the Islamic Revolution of 1979, which saw many artists and intellectuals leave the country.

In 1987, Aghdashloo moved to the United States with her husband, actor/playwright Houshang Touzie. She initially struggled to find work as an actress, but eventually landed a role in the 1990 film “Twenty Bucks.” She continued to work steadily in film and television throughout the 1990s and 2000s, with notable roles in films such as “X-Men: The Last Stand” and “The Stoning of Soraya M.”

Aghdashloo’s breakthrough role in Hollywood came in 2003 when she was cast in the film “House of Sand and Fog.” Her performance as Nadereh Behrani, an Iranian immigrant struggling to make a life for herself and her family in America, earned her critical acclaim and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She has since become a sought-after actress in Hollywood, with roles in films such as “The Promise” and “Star Trek Beyond.”

In addition to her film work, Aghdashloo has also made a name for herself in television. She has had recurring roles on shows such as “24” and “The Expanse,” and has also lent her voice to several animated series, including “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.” In 2013, she received an Emmy nomination for her role on the HBO series “House of Saddam.” Outside of her acting career, Aghdashloo is also known for her activism and philanthropy. She is a strong advocate for women’s rights and has worked to raise awareness of issues facing women in Iran and other parts of the world. She has also been involved in various charitable organizations, including the Children of Persia Foundation, which provides aid to disadvantaged children in Iran.

Shohreh Aghdashloo is a highly respected and talented actress who has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. Her work in film and television has earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards, and she continues to be a sought-after actress in Hollywood. Her activism and philanthropy have also made her a respected and influential figure outside of the entertainment industry, and she is sure to continue making an impact in the years to come.