Iran

Secular state vs. Theocracy

Area our textbook

refers to as Middle East

Iran

Monarchy Theocracy

• Iran was a monarchy until the “Islamic Revolution of 1979”.

• The last king was Shah Muhammad Reza Pahlavi.

Secularism vs. TheocracySecular State:• government where a

country is officially neutral in ALL matters of religion.

• not supporting one religion over another religion.

• not denying religion to its people.

• treating all citizens equally regardless of religion.

Theocracy:• government where a

country is ruled by clergy or by religious officials.

• “divine guidance”.• God himself is

recognized as the head of the government.

SECULAR

THEOCRACY

Should a nation be ruled by its peoples’ religion?

After 1979, Iran became a theocracy.Iran = Islamic Republic

And still is TODAY!

1979: Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini Today: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

The Supreme Leader of Iran Is the highest ranking authority in Iran (more powerful than the President of Iran)!