Ruhollah Khomeini (Khomeini Ruhollah)

(1900-1989)
Born May 17, 1900 in the small town Khomeini (Central Iran), the son of Sayyid (a descendant of Shiite Imam) Mustafa Musawi. After the death of his father brought his mother and elder brother. In 19 years went to study in the holy city of Qom. He taught religious law and philosophy, in 1950-1960-ies has been recognized as a Grand Ayatollah, ie. respected religious leader with a large number of followers
. Khomeini moved in opposition to the Government in 1962, . when the decree of the Shah was eliminated condition, . that all candidates in the provincial assembly were Muslims and witnesses in court have the right to swear on the Koran not only, . but also in other sacred books,
. In 1963, encouraged not to participate in the referendum, which was to endorse the 'white revolution' shah. Khomeini condemned the violation of Islamic and constitutional principles, . political, . economic and military domination of foreign powers over Iran, . suppression of freedom of speech, . especially with regard to the clergy, . as well as diplomatic, . trade and intelligence ties with the Government of Israel,
. In 1963, after anti-government unrest, Khomeini was arrested in 1964 and expelled from the country. He lived in Turkey, then in the city of Najaf in Iraq (cm. and Iraq), and in 1978 moved to France. In 1971 published his main work - the Islamic government, which put forward the idea of a theocratic state headed by the supreme theologian, jurist.

While in exile, Khomeini could openly attack the Shah's regime. Became a symbol, then leader of the anti-Shah revolution. The flight of the Shah in the United States opened the door for his return to Iran on Feb. 1, 1979.

Khomeini founded the Islamic republic, which has challenged the United States, allowing the militant students in the 15 months to hold hostage the staff of the American Embassy in Tehran. In 1981-1982 the regime cracked down on armed action of radical left movement Mujahedin-e Khalq, attempts were made to spread Islamic revolution outside Iran. 1980-1988 war with Iraq led to the ruin of the country. Khomeini died in Tehran on June 3, 1989.