White Revolution, Bahman 6. On this day in 1341 Jalali (January 26, 1963), the White Revolution was announced and launched by Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the then Shah of Iran. This initiative was a series of economic, social, and cultural reforms aimed at modernizing the country’s structures and reducing the influence of traditional landowners and the clergy in Iranian society. Key elements of these reforms included land redistribution, nationalization of forests and pastures, profit-sharing for industrial workers, educational reforms, and granting women the right to vote. The land reform program led to the redistribution of agricultural land among peasants, significantly altering traditional ownership patterns. The extension of voting rights to women marked a major social change. These measures were met with various reactions, including opposition from some religious and political groups who publicly voiced their dissent. The White Revolution was added to the official Jalali calendar in 1341 due to its historical significance and its broad impact on Iran’s political and social structures. This day is recognized as the beginning of a period of extensive reforms and fundamental changes in modern Iranian history.
