1. Secular state vs. Theocracy
Iran
Secular state vs. Theocracy

2. Area our textbook refers to as Middle East

3. Iran

4. Monarchy Theocracy
Iran was a monarchy until the “Islamic Revolution of 1979”.
The last king was Shah Muhammad Reza Pahlavi.

5. Iran Iranian leaders denounced the U.S. as “the Great Satan”
Iranian leaders demanded the Shah stand trial
After the U.S. refused, the U.S. embassy in Iran was occupied and the staff taken hostage in 1979.
They were released in January 1981.

6. Secularism vs. Theocracy
government where a country is ruled by clergy or by religious officials.
“divine guidance”.
God himself is recognized as the head of the government.
Secular State:
government where a country is officially neutral in ALL matters of religion.
not supporting one religion over another religion.
not denying religion to its people.
treating all citizens equally regardless of religion.

7. SECULAR
THEOCRACY

8. Should a nation be ruled by its peoples’ religion?

9. 1979: Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini Today: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
After 1979, Iran became a theocracy. Iran = Islamic Republic And still is TODAY!
The Supreme Leader of Iran Is the highest ranking authority in Iran (more powerful than the President of Iran)!
1979: Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini
Today: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei