by Katie Hayes

The recent unrest in Iran harkens back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Beginning in 1978, large-scale anti-government demonstrations challenged Iran's ruling monarchy under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, resulting in the removal of the shah and the creation of an Islamic state headed by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. In January 1979, violent protests and fighting forced the shah to flee abroad, leaving his appointed Prime Minister Shapour Bakhtiar in charge of the government. Khomeini, who had been exiled by the shah, returned to Iran in February. On April 1, 1979, he established the Islamic republic.

Here's a look back at some of the 1979 events:

  • The recent unrest in Iran harkens back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which resulted in the removal of the shah and the creation of an Islamic state, headed by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
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    The recent unrest in Iran harkens back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which resulted in the removal of the shah and the creation of an Islamic state, headed by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
    AP
  • Supporters of Khomeini gather at a massive demonstration in Tehran on Feb. 8, 1979.
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    Supporters of Khomeini gather at a massive demonstration in Tehran on Feb. 8, 1979.
    Aristotle Saris/AP
  • Officers said that they were ready "to shed their blood" for the monarch on Jan. 23, 1979 in Tehran.
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    Officers said that they were ready "to shed their blood" for the monarch on Jan. 23, 1979 in Tehran.
    Aristotle Saris/AP
  • At a pro-shah rally, Iranian soldiers march toward the Iranian parliament in Tehran on Jan. 25, 1979.
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    At a pro-shah rally, Iranian soldiers march toward the Iranian parliament in Tehran on Jan. 25, 1979.
    Bob Dear/AP
  • An estimated 30 people died and 200 were wounded in a demonstration in Tehran on Jan. 28, 1979. A demonstrator, his hands covered with the blood of a friend killed in the riots, weeps for the victim.
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    An estimated 30 people died and 200 were wounded in a demonstration in Tehran on Jan. 28, 1979. A demonstrator, his hands covered with the blood of a friend killed in the riots, weeps for the victim.
    Bob Dear/AP
  • In January 1979, violent protests and fighting forced the shah to flee abroad. Meanwhile, guards keep watch from the Tabriz headquarters in case of attack from Khomeini supporters on Dec. 11, 1979.
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    In January 1979, violent protests and fighting forced the shah to flee abroad. Meanwhile, guards keep watch from the Tabriz headquarters in case of attack from Khomeini supporters on Dec. 11, 1979.
    Herve Merliac/AP
  • Hundreds of thousands took to the streets to show support for the return of Khomeini and his provisional government. Here, people climb trees to watch the demonstration in Tehran on Feb. 8, 1979.
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    Hundreds of thousands took to the streets to show support for the return of Khomeini and his provisional government. Here, people climb trees to watch the demonstration in Tehran on Feb. 8, 1979.
    Aristotle Saris/AP
  • An estimated 20,000 people turned out for an opposing demonstration, showing support for the government of Bakhtiar. Here, a soldier waves the Iranian flag in Tehran on Feb. 9, 1979.
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    An estimated 20,000 people turned out for an opposing demonstration, showing support for the government of Bakhtiar. Here, a soldier waves the Iranian flag in Tehran on Feb. 9, 1979.
    Aristotle Saris/AP
  • A rebel tosses police records onto a burning car after insurgents took over and burned a police station in Tehran on Feb. 11, 1979, the same day the shah's regime collapsed.
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    A rebel tosses police records onto a burning car after insurgents took over and burned a police station in Tehran on Feb. 11, 1979, the same day the shah's regime collapsed.
    Michel Lipchitz/AP
  • Armed rebels, one wearing a gas mask, ride in a truck near Khomeini's headquarters on Feb. 12, 1979, in Tehran.
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    Armed rebels, one wearing a gas mask, ride in a truck near Khomeini's headquarters on Feb. 12, 1979, in Tehran.
    AP

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