Ayatollah Khomeini

Full Name: Ayatollah Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini
Profession: Supreme Leader of Iran

Nationality:

Biography: Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini is best known for leading the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which overthrew the Shah and established the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Khomeini began studying Islamic theology and philosophy at a young age, eventually becoming a respected scholar and author.

In the 1960s, he became a vocal critic of the Shah's regime, leading to his arrest and exile in 1964. While in exile, Khomeini developed his political theories and gained a significant following among Iranians.

He returned to Iran in 1979, sparking the Iranian Revolution. There Khomeini became the country's first Supreme Leader, a position created in the new constitution, and held this role until his death.

During his leadership, Khomeini implemented policies based on his interpretation of Islamic law. He took a strong anti-Western stance, supported the Iran hostage crisis, and issued a fatwa against author Salman Rushdie. He also led Iran through the lengthy and costly Iran-Iraq War.

When Khomeini died in 1989, his funeral drew millions of mourners, making it one of the largest gatherings in history.

Born: September 24, 1902
Birthplace: Khomeyn, Persia

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Tiger
Star Sign: Libra

Died: June 3, 1989 (aged 86)
Cause of Death: Heart attack