Enqelab, an avenue marked by revolution and mutations

Radio France International International approach

February 11, 2019

If there is a place where you will remember the 1979 revolution in Iran, it is on an avenue called Enqelab Avenue (Revolution), which was formerly known as Shah Reza Avenue. It is here that took place the greatest demonstrations of the years 1978 and 1979 that led to the victory of the Revolution. This avenue is today full of life, young people and people walking in the streets.

By our correspondent Catalina Gómez.

The famous Enqelab Avenue, home to major bookstores, theater and Tehran University, is the best example of cultural, economic and social change in the country.

"I like coming to this street first because the new cafes they opened have been very good, just like the bookstores." Most of the people who come here are students looking for books or books. In general, everything is fine, young people give it a lot of energy and make you want to spend your time here, "says Melina, 18.

This avenue has also become an option for a number of street vendors trying to make a living, especially in this time of economic crisis.

Einola was one of those who fought in the streets for the Revolution: "At that time, people were very angry, large mbades gathered to protest here," he recalls.

One of the warehouses that were here at the time of the revolution is a very famous paper mill located near the University of Tehran. Mani not only witnessed the Revolution, but also dozens of events that took place in these streets after 1979: "Between the 1980s and 1983, many young members of opposition groups were murdered in these streets, they were brave boys, they were caught, beaten and eliminated.We escaped with luck, the younger generation at that time was the one who suffered the most ".

In 2009, these streets were also filled with millions of people protesting the re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and against the creation of the "green movement" that marked the country in his time.

"This place was filled with people as usual on busy days, but suddenly they were more and more to our surprise, they were like ants coming together at the same time. I was wounded at that time with ammunition that looked like big batteries but when they are fired, they throw between 150 and 200 small balls, which happened when I was trying to take a woman. She was very scared because they had released tear gas and later I ended up in the hospital, "says Mani.

Exactly one year ago, several women decided to climb into an energy tower and lift their veil (hijab) in protest against their imposition after the 1979 revolution.

"Certainly, this law had an incredible meaning for those women who decided to come and do what they did, but I personally tend to think that this statement is not the basis of our priorities. much deeper problems before this problem, "said a neighbor.

At the intersection of Enqelab Avenue and Valiasr Avenue, the longest street in Tehran, is the city's theater, the Shahr Theater, a meeting place for young and old alike.

"Yes, I was part of the group that came to Enqelab Square to protest and sing the slogans, but I secretly did it from my father who was afraid." Khomeini was living his life at that time but then they brought it and, after 40 years, it's our country.Everyone is unemployed, "says Mahmoud.

On one of the roads that come down from the mythical Enqelab Square, there is a bazaar dedicated to the sale of all kinds of objects from the Islamic Republic and the Revolution, as well as from all the symbols that They bring, like flags that say "Death to America".

For Mr. Moim, however, "the great attention given to the 40th anniversary of the Revolution is digital and has nothing to do with the political situation". The 40 years are synonymous with maturity and have a very strong symbolic in the Muslim world: it is at 40 years that Muhammad received the divine revelation and began transmitting the Qur'an.

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