Isfahan's bazaar supports the protests

Years of controlled politics, censorship and repression made many activists doubt that reform could be delivered under the monarchy.

The concession showed that the palace could no longer dismiss protest as the work of a small minority.

Increasing numbers of demonstrators called for an end to royal rule rather than adjustments within the existing system.

Residents joined protests against repression, inequality and royal rule during the holy month of Ramadan.

Lethal repression intensified anger and helped move the political crisis toward emergency rule.

Urban workers, merchants and ordinary residents increasingly joined the opposition coalition.

Hundreds of people died after the cinema was set on fire and exits were obstructed, making it one of the revolution's worst tragedies.

Funerals and public grief intensified hostility toward the state in a major oil-industry city.

The regime and opposition blamed one another; uncertainty over responsibility became part of the political struggle.

Many revolution supporters believed the authorities were responsible or complicit, further weakening the monarchy's legitimacy.