Summary
Islamic Republic of Iran Army Day (Persian: روز ارتش جمهوری اسلامی ایران) is a national holiday of Iran, celebrated annually on April 18. The day of the Iranian Army has been celebrated since 1921.[1][2]
| Islamic Republic of Iran Army Day | |
|---|---|
 IRI Army Day parade, Tehran, 2015 | |
| Also called | Army Day |
| Observed by |  Iran |
| Celebrations | Military parades, ceremonies |
| Date | April 18 |
| Next time | 18 April 2025 |
| Frequency | annual |
History edit
The current holiday was established by the former Supreme Leader of Iran, Ruhollah Khomeini on April 18, 1979. Previously, Army Day was celebrated on February 21 (Esfand 3) to commemorate the 1921 Persian coup d'état during the Qajar era.[2] The holiday was moved to December 12 (Azar 28) in 1946 by Mohammad Reza Pahlavi as it was the date when the Imperial Iranian Army defeated the Soviet-backed Azerbaijan People's Government.[2]
On April 8, 1979, two months after the fall of the Shah, Khomeini met with Iranian Armed Forces soldiers who made an invaluable contribution to the victory of the revolution. Ten days later, Khomeini named 18 April as Army Day, during a speech to the people calling for military parades to exhibit the nation's military preparedness.
Celebrations edit
The Iranian government makes a show of military force on Iran Army Day with parades every 18 April, often demonstrating new defense technologies.[3][4] Army veterans, active servicemen and reservists, also take part in the annually held parade. The parade is held in front of the Mausoleum of Ruhollah Khomeini.[5]
Gallery edit
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IRIA 2011 parade -
2012 parade -
2016 parade -
2016 parade -
2016 parade -
2016 parade -
2016 parade -
2016 parade -
2016 parade -
2016 parade
See also edit
Videos edit
- Iranian Army Day 2018
References edit
- ^ "29 فروردین، روز ارتش جمهوری اسلامی ایران". www.beytoote.com (in Persian). Retrieved 2017-09-24.
- ^ a b c Smith, Harvey Henry (1971). "Area Handbook for Iran".
- ^ Iran's Annual Army Day Parades, IrDiplomacy.ir; accessed 29 November 2015.
- ^ "Deputy top commander: Iran standing against threats powerfully", United Press International; accessed 29 November 2015.
- ^ "Islamic Republic of Iran Army Day". Islamic Revolution Document Center. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 25 April 2016.