Iran Press/Iran news: Friday 8 September 1978 (17th of Shahrivar 1357 on the Iranian calendar), later termed 'Black Friday', is one of the most eventful days of the Islamic Revolution of the Iranian people.
In 1979 when anti-Pahlavi protests reached their climax and the days of the Pahlavi regime were numbered, despite the efforts done by the regime on 8 September, protests against the dictatorial Shah increased in scope and intensity, Iran Press reported.
The demonstrators chanted anti-Shah slogans. On that very special day, all people across Iran were crying "independence, freedom, the Islamic Republic". Being backed by Jimmy Carter former US President, the Pahlavi regime imposed martial law in the Iranian capital, Tehran.
However, the people were not aware of this and they gathered to protest in Shohada Square (which was called Jaleh Square at the time).
The throngs of protesters were surrounded by the Shah's army. Indiscriminate shooting by the army left so many protesters either injured or martyred.
The late founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini (may his soul rest in peace) called it a divinely inspired day, and told the nation that they would emerge victorious.
Imam's promise turned out to be true, of course, because just five months later, the Pahlavi regime collapsed and was thrown into the dustbin of history on 11 February 1979, with the triumph of the Islamic Revolution in Iran.
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