With formation and expansion of the Islamic movement, harmony of public uprisings led by Khomeini, holding of the fortieth day ceremony for the martyrs in different cities, massacre of September 8, 1978, and strike of the employees of National Oil Company the regime lost control of the security of the country and the foundations of the 2500-year Imperial System were loosened within a short period of time resulting in the Shah’s escape.
On January 16, 1979 (26 Dey 1357 in the Iranian calendar), Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi left Iran after months of nationwide protests and political unrest. His departure marked a turning point in history. Officially, the Shah announced that he was leaving for a temporary vacation due to illness and to allow a civilian government to restore order. However, many understood that this was effectively the end of his reign.
