Tehran, SANA – Celebrations marking the 36th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution kicked off across Iran on Sunday marking the day when the late founder of the Islamic Republic Imam Khomeini arrived back home on February 1, 1979 .
Ceremonies were held at Imam Khomeini’s mausoleum in Tehran and attended by members of Iranian Shura Council, senior state and military officials in addition to thousands of people from all walks of life.
Imam Khomeini spent more than 14 years in exile, mostly in the Iraqi holy city of Najaf. He also spent some time in Turkey and France, before his return to Iran.
The celebration included shows for scores of motorcycles in the road which Imam Khomeini’s had taken from Mehrabad Airport to Beheshte Zahra (the largest cemetery in Iran), where he addressed his first speech following his return from exile.
The day when Imam Khomeini returned to Tehran marks the start of 10 days of celebrations better known as the 10-Day Dawn festivities, which culminate in nationwide rallies on February 11 this year, the anniversary of the triumph of the Islamic Revolution.
H. Zain/ Ghossoun/Barry