Religious ritual becomes mass politics

The new prime minister presented himself as able to restore dialogue with religious leaders and the opposition.

The government reversed a controversial royal measure in an effort to signal respect for Islamic sensibilities.

Supporters regarded the reforms as tactical retreats that left the monarchy and security system intact.

Hundreds of thousands joined a peaceful procession that displayed the opposition's breadth and discipline.

Chants linked immediate political demands with recognition of Khomeini's leadership from exile.

Women joined families, students and neighborhood groups, showing that the movement reached far beyond clerical institutions.

The announcement came too late for many demonstrators already moving toward Jaleh Square.

Soldiers used lethal force against crowds in an event remembered as Black Friday.

For many Iranians, the killings demonstrated that the monarchy relied on armed violence and could not be reformed.

Mourning, testimony and political organizing carried the memory of Jaleh Square throughout the country.