Jump to content

Draft:Exile of Imam Khomeini to Turkey

Add links
From wikishia
Exile of Imam Khomeini to Turkey
A famous photograph depicting the arrest and exile of Imam Khomeini to Turkey
DateNovember 4, 1964 to October 5, 1965 (11 months)
LocationFrom Qom to Turkey
CauseSpeech opposing the Capitulation bill

The Exile of Imam Khomeini to Turkey on November 4, 1964, stands as a pivotal event in the genesis of the Islamic Revolution of Iran. The arrest of Imam Khomeini, then a distinguished Shi'a Marja', along with his expulsion from Iran and forced residence in Turkey, was executed by the Pahlavi regime in response to his vehement protest against the National Consultative Assembly's approval of the Capitulation bill. In a speech delivered on October 26—a date widely regarded as marking the commencement of the second phase of his leadership of the Islamic movement—Khomeini characterized the bill as a "document of slavery" and an acknowledgment of Iran's colonial subjugation, declaring that silence in the face of such legislation constituted a greater sin.

Imam Khomeini's exile is considered a watershed moment in the history of the Islamic Revolution, catalyzing profound societal shifts and inspiring revolutionary movements for years to come. The assassination of Hassan Ali Mansur in January 1965, the suspension of Islamic seminaries, congregational prayers, and market activities across various cities, as well as the issuance of supportive telegrams and proclamations by scholars and Maraji' such as Sayyid Shahab al-Din Mar'ashi Najafi and Sayyid Muhammad Rida Gulpayagani, were prominent reactions to his speech and subsequent exile. After spending 11 months in Turkey, Imam Khomeini was transferred to Iraq on October 5, 1965.

Significance and Status

The speech delivered by Imam Khomeini denouncing Capitulation, followed by his exile to Turkey on November 4, 1964, is regarded as a turning point in the history of the Islamic movement in Iran.[1] Scholars identify this event as the inception of the second phase of his leadership.[2] According to Sayyid Muhammad Husayni Beheshti, the Imam's exile to Turkey ignited a fervor among the populace that sustained revolutionary activities for years.[3]

Some analysts argue that the Capitulation bill inflicted a deep wound on the national pride of the Iranian people,[4] and that failure to oppose it would have been tantamount to accepting foreign domination over Iran. Imam Khomeini opposed the bill immediately upon learning of its approval, resulting in his exile; however, in the long term, this opposition successfully eradicated foreign influence in Iran.[5]

Observers contend that the arrest and exile of Imam Khomeini, rather than diminishing the movement or the leader's status, facilitated the expansion of the clergy's political leadership.[6] This event is one of three major historical incidents commemorated annually in Iran on the 13th of Aban (November 4).[7]

“Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim, Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. They have turned the festival of Iran into mourning; I cannot express my heartfelt sorrow... Since I heard of these recent issues in Iran, my sleep has decreased. I am distressed. My heart is under pressure. With a heavy heart, I am counting the days until death arrives. Iran no longer has a festival... They sold us, they sold our independence... Our dignity was trampled; the greatness of Iran was destroyed.” (Speech of Imam Khomeini against Capitulation on October 26, 1964)[8]

— Imam Khomeini
The approval of the Capitulation bill in the National Consultative Assembly in 1964

Context of the Event

On October 13, 1964, Hassan 'Ali Mansur, the Prime Minister of the Pahlavi regime, secured the passage of a bill in the National Consultative Assembly known as "Capitulation" or consular jurisdiction.[9][10] By approving this legislation, the Pahlavi regime granted judicial immunity to American advisors residing in Iran, ensuring that Iranian courts lacked jurisdiction to prosecute crimes committed by them.[11]

Opposition to Capitulation

Upon learning of the bill's approval, Imam Khomeini delivered a speech at his residence on October 26, 1964, a date coinciding with the birth anniversary of Lady Fatima al-Zahra (a).[12] He commenced his address with the Istirja' Verse, signaling the occurrence of a grave calamity. He proceeded to detail the consequences of the legislation, issuing warnings to the public, the military, and the clergy.[13] Ayatollah Khomeini declared silence in the face of such a bill to be a greater sin, describing the country as being under an American occupation that was the root cause of the Iranian people's suffering.[14]

Recordings of the speech were disseminated throughout Iran and, according to security documents, were even broadcast via Iraqi radio.[15] Subsequently, another proclamation containing his statements was published on October 31, 1964.[16] In this declaration, Imam Khomeini characterized the parliament's vote as shameful and contrary to the principles of Islam and the Qur'an.[17]

The Exile

On the night of November 4, 1964, agents of the Pahlavi regime raided Imam Khomeini's residence in Qom, arrested him for his opposition to the Capitulation bill, transported him to Tehran, and subsequently exiled him to Turkey aboard a military aircraft.[18] He initially resided in Ankara before being relocated to the city of Bursa.[19] After 11 months, the Turkish government was no longer willing to host him; consequently, he left Turkey on October 5, 1965, and was transferred to Iraq.[20]

Reactions

Imam Khomeini walking in the city of Bursa, Turkey

According to SAVAK reports, on November 5, the Qom Seminary issued a proclamation regarding the Imam's exile, urging the public to close their shops and participate in a general strike. Anti-regime slogans were also inscribed within the Faydiyya School.[21] Reactions included the closure of markets in Qom, Mashhad, and Tehran, public strikes and demonstrations, the suspension of seminary classes and congregational prayers for 15 to 30 days, and the dispatch of numerous telegrams of support from the Maraji' of Qom, Mashhad, and Najaf, including Sayyid Shahab al-Din Mar'ashi Najafi and Sayyid Muhammad Rida Gulpayagani.[22]

The assassination of Hassan 'Ali Mansur less than three months after the Imam's exile, carried out by members of the Islamic Coalition Societies, was another significant reaction that garnered domestic and international attention.[23] On December 19, 1964, a group of clerics in Qom, in collaboration with the Motalefeh Islamic Party, began publishing a clandestine journal titled Intiqam (Revenge), which exposed the actions of the Mansur government and reported on global reactions to the Imam's exile.[24]

Monographs

Several scholarly works have focused on Imam Khomeini's exile to Turkey and the Capitulation bill, including:

  • The Exile to Turkey and the Capitulation Affair (Tab'idi-yi Turkiyya wa Majray-i Capitulation) by Amir Hossein Zamanpour: This work details the approval of the bill in October 1964 and the Imam's subsequent 11-month exile, drawing upon his memoirs and those of his close associates.
  • Specialized Session on the Consular Jurisdiction of Capitulation: Collection of Speeches and Articles: Published by the Institute for Political Studies and Research in 2005.

Other notable titles include The Story of Selling Independence and Capitulation in the History of Iran.[25]

Notes

  1. ↑ 'Amid Zanjani, Inqilab-i Islami-yi Iran, 1391 Sh, pp. 169-170.
  2. ↑ Nazarpur, Tarikh-i siyasi-yi mu'asir-i Iran, 1380 Sh, p. 149.
  3. ↑ Husayni Beheshti, Wilayat, Rahbari wa Ruhaniyyat, 1383 Sh, p. 270.
  4. ↑ Sadri, "Khata-yi buzurg-i Mansur", p. 19.
  5. ↑ Sadri, "Khata-yi buzurg-i Mansur", p. 17.
  6. ↑ Ruhbakhsh, "Salawat-i siyasi...", p. 40.
  7. ↑ Rabi'i, "Sizdah-i Aban...", p. 36.
  8. ↑ See: Khomeini, Sahifa-yi Imam, 1389 Sh, vol. 1, p. 415.
  9. ↑ Goli Zavareh, "Capitulation: Namadi az nufudh-i hamih janibih...", p. 69.
  10. ↑ Capitulation is a term of French origin referring to an agreement whereby a government relinquishes the right to prosecute the citizens or agents of a foreign power in its domestic courts; instead, legal matters involving such individuals are referred to the courts of their home country. (Goli Zavareh, "Capitulation...", p. 69.)
  11. ↑ Hashemi Rafsanjani, Karnameh wa Khaterat-i salhaye 1357 wa 1358, 1388 Sh, p. 38.
  12. ↑ Pasandideh, "Tab'id-i Hazrat-i Imam bih Turkiyya wa Najaf...", p. 26.
  13. ↑ Aqa'i, "Dawran-i tab'id-i Imam Khomeini (ra) dar Turkiyya", pp. 46-47.
  14. ↑ See: Khomeini, Sahifa-yi Imam, 1389 Sh, vol. 1, pp. 415-424.
  15. ↑ Aqa'i, "Dawran-i tab'id-i Imam Khomeini (ra) dar Turkiyya", p. 47.
  16. ↑ "Majray-i tawzi'-i nuskhi-yi chapi-yi sukhunrani-yi Imam...", I.R.D.C.
  17. ↑ Sufi-abadi, "Capitulation: Haqq-i tawahhush-i Amrika...", p. 47.
  18. ↑ 'Amid Zanjani, Inqilab-i Islami-yi Iran, 1391 Sh, p. 170.
  19. ↑ Aqa'i, "Dawran-i tab'id-i Imam Khomeini (ra) dar Turkiyya", pp. 48-50.
  20. ↑ 'Amid Zanjani, Inqilab-i Islami-yi Iran, 1391 Sh, pp. 169-170.
  21. ↑ Shura-yi Nuwisandigan-i Wizarat-i Ittila'at, Hazrat-i Ayatollah al-Uzma... Gulpayagani bih riwayat-i asnad-i SAVAK, vol. 1, 1385 Sh, p. 127.
  22. ↑ Shura-yi Nuwisandigan-i Wizarat-i Ittila'at, Hazrat-i Ayatollah al-Uzma... Gulpayagani bih riwayat-i asnad-i SAVAK, vol. 1, 1385 Sh, p. 121.
  23. ↑ Mansuri, Ashna'i ba Inqilab-i Islami-yi Iran, 1390 Sh, pp. 179-180.
  24. ↑ Shura-yi Nuwisandigan-i Wizarat-i Ittila'at, Hazrat-i Ayatollah al-Uzma... Gulpayagani bih riwayat-i asnad-i SAVAK, vol. 1, 1385 Sh, p. 256.
  25. ↑ "Ketabha az haqq-i qadawat-i kunsuli kamtar sukhun gufteh-and", IBNA News Agency.

References

  • 'Amid Zanjani, Abbas-Ali. Inqilab-i Islami-yi Iran; 'Ilal, Masa'il wa Nizam-i Siyasi. Qom: Daftar-i Nashr-i Ma'arif, 1391 Sh.
  • Aqa'i, Abd al-Rida. "Dawran-i tab'id-i Imam Khomeini (ra) dar Turkiyya". Rushd-i Amuzesh-i Tarikh, no. 35, Summer 1388 Sh.
  • Goli Zavareh, Ghulam-Rida. "Capitulation; Namadi az nufudh-i hamih janibih-yi ajanib dar Iran". Muballighan, no. 209, Nov-Dec 2016.
  • Hashemi Rafsanjani, Akbar. Karnameh wa Khaterat-i salhaye 1357 wa 1358. Tehran: Daftar-i Nashr-i Ma'arif-i Inqilab, 1388 Sh.
  • Husayni Beheshti, Sayyid Muhammad. Wilayat, Rahbari wa Ruhaniyyat. Tehran: Athar-i Andishe-haye Shahid Beheshti, 1st ed., 1383 Sh.
  • "Majray-i tawzi'-i nuskhi-yi chapi-yi sukhunrani-yi Imam..." I.R.D.C. Website. Published Nov 5, 2018.
  • Mansuri, Javad. Ashna'i ba Inqilab-i Islami-yi Iran. Qom: Daftar-i Nashr-i Ma'arif, 5th ed., 1390 Sh.
  • Nazarpur, Mahdi. Tarikh-i siyasi-yi mu'asir-i Iran. Tehran: IRGC Publications, 1380 Sh.
  • Pasandideh, Sayyid Murtada. "Tab'id-i Hazrat-i Imam bih Turkiyya wa Najaf; az zaban-i Ayatollah Pasandideh". Pasdar-i Islam, no. 89, May 1989.
  • Rabi'i, Humayra. "Sizdah-i Aban: Bastar-i sih ruydad-i barkhasteh az iman". Payvand, no. 373, Nov 2010.
  • Shura-yi Nuwisandigan-i Wizarat-i Ittila'at. Hazrat-i Ayatollah al-Uzma Haj Sayyid Muhammad Rida Gulpayagani bih riwayat-i asnad-i SAVAK. Vol. 1. Tehran: Center for Historical Documents, 1385 Sh.
  • Sufi-abadi, Fatima. "Capitulation; Haqq-i tawahhush-i Amrika az mellat-i Iran". 15-i Khordad, no. 17, Autumn 2008.

Template:Islamic Revolution of Iran

Retrieved from "https://en.wikishia.net/w/index.php?title=Draft:Exile_of_Imam_Khomeini_to_Turkey&oldid=204208"