The Enigma of Veiled Iranian Women

The mass struggles in Iran, which took place over a year and a half ago and which culminated in the overthrow of the Iranian monarchy, had many unusual features which attracted international attention. For one thing the sheer scale of the mass movement was unique. In the few months prior to February 1979 it practically embraced the whole of society with the exception of a very small minority loyal to the Bakhtiar government. The numbers involved in street demonstrations were unprecedented. Time and again millions took to the streets, in organized and disciplined marches. The militancy and single-mindedness of these demonstrations expressed itself in all the variations given to the slogan 'death to the Shah'. The tactics used at these demonstrations to demoralize and also to win over the soldiers were impressive, ranging from mass sit-ins in front of tanks to throwing flowers and shouting fraternal slogans to confused soldiers. The general strike which almost paralysed the state for four months was another feature which attracted attention. The role of the Shi'ite clergy and Islamic ideology posed new and puzzling questions for many. Some of these have now been forgotten or overshadowed by events, particularly as a result of the further developments since February 1979. Others have come to the fore. And one particularly unique and striking feature which from the very beginning captured people's imagination and puzzled many was the mass participation of women in the mobilization. To date this remains one of the least explored, most misunderstood, and yet widely noted aspect of recent Iranian history.