Khomeini’s Iran as Seen Through Bank Notes

A comparative analysis of bank notes from the Pahlavi and Islamic Republic eras reveals a significant shift in Iran's cultural and ideological representation. During the Pahlavi reign, bank notes prominently featured pre-Islamic architecture, modern industrial achievements like the Trans-Iranian Railway, and portraits of the monarch, reflecting a pro-Western ideology. In contrast, post-revolutionary notes under Ayatollah Khomeini's influence depicted traditional Islamic symbols, marking a departure from the glorification of pre-Islamic Iran and Western-oriented development. This visual transition on currency serves as a tangible record of Iran's political and cultural transformation.

Chelkowski, P. (2019). Khomeini’s Iran as Seen Through Bank Notes. The Iranian Revolution and the Muslim World, 85–101. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429311994-6