Royal authority collapses without the monarch

The declaration called for elected representatives to consider a constitution for an Islamic republic.

The body brought together clerical and lay figures while much of its membership initially remained secret for security reasons.

Mohammad Reza Pahlavi departed Iran amid nationwide strikes and demonstrations, ending his effective rule even before the monarchy was formally abolished.

Millions interpreted the departure as a victory over dictatorship, foreign dependency and the political order created after the 1953 coup.

Shapour Bakhtiar tried to preserve a constitutional monarchy, but most revolutionary forces rejected a government still appointed by the Shah.

Prison doors opened for activists from Islamist, Marxist and other opposition currents as the royal security system disintegrated.

The releases embodied a central revolutionary demand: freedom for those imprisoned for resisting monarchy and repression.

Former prisoners entered a rapidly changing public arena in which diverse revolutionary organizations competed over Iran's future.

The return of well-known prisoners reminded the public of SAVAK, military trials and the suppression of organized opposition.

After more than fourteen years in exile, Khomeini landed at Mehrabad Airport and was welcomed by immense crowds.