Iran celebrates a milestone
Millions of Iranians all over the world marked recently the 36th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution that paved the way for democracy in the Middle Eastern nation.
Iranian Ambassador to Manila Ali Asghar Mohammadi hosted the celebration at the Mayuree Ballroom of Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City, with guests coming from the diplomatic circle, businessmen and government officials. The occasion also brought together old political allies like former President Fidel V. Ramos and former Speaker Joe de Venecia.
The Islamic Revolution in 1979 saw the ouster of the regime of Shah Reza Pahlavi and signaled the end of monarchical rule in the Islamic nation, and the eventual establishment of the republic by way of a referendum. Over the years, Iran has gone through a lot of trials and seemingly insurmountable obstacles that include the invasion of Iraq, but the nation and its people have persevered and endured.
Iran — whose old name is Persia — is acknowledged as one of the world’s oldest civilizations. It has one of the biggest reserves for natural gas and fossil fuels, and its GDP is placed at $366 billion. Its capital city of Tehran — which also happens to be its biggest — serves as the cultural and commercial hub of the republic that is home to an estimated population of over 80 million.
