Power and Urban Life: Reading the Historical Changes of Tehran Before and After the 1979 Revolution From the Perspective of Ibn Khaldun's Theory

Abstract

How to explain the decline of cities? In response to this question, Ibn Khaldun has presented a broad theory that seems to be still functional after several centuries. In this paper, we aim to explain the history of Tehran before and after of 1979 Islamic Revolution with Ibn Khaldun's theory the history. The method of article is historical study and historical documents (newspapers, newsletters and other authentic historical sources) and books related to the city of Tehran have been cited as the main sources in this regard. The result of this study shows that if, based on the division of Ibn Khaldun, we consider five main courses for Tehran, in both historical periods (before and after the 1979 revolution), the city witnessed the passage of these stages. In the pre-revolutionary period, Tehran, with the presence of the Allies, and the coronation of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi began their new era. With the coup d'état of 1954, the autocracy began in this city. the flourishing of intellectuals , the oil revenues in the 50s , the invasion of the labors to suburban and the Islamic revolution are the four phases in the fall of city ,respectively. With the victory of the Islamic Revolution and the burning of nightclubs, the era of victory began. Expansion of Islamic values and post-war reconstruction can be considered as the peak of power but Environmental crises and the problems caused by the immense growth of the urban population are greatest issues that the city faces during its decline. So these changes are explained using Khaldunian ideas in the area of government, city and power.