As the Shah and Empress Farah boarded their plane at Mehrabad Airport, reactions across the country were intense and emotional. Large crowds gathered in the streets, celebrating what they saw as the collapse of a long-standing monarchy. For supporters of the revolution, the Shah’s exit symbolized the victory of popular resistance against authoritarian rule. For others, especially those loyal to the monarchy, it was a moment of uncertainty and fear about Iran’s future.
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.
