The form of government of Iran is that of an Islamic Republic, endorsed by the people of Iran on the basis of their longstanding belief in the sovereignty of truth and Koranic justice, in the referendum of 29 and 30, March 1979, through the affirmative vote of a majority of 98.2% of eligible voters, held after the victorious Islamic Revolution led by Imam Khumayni.
Iran's population is 89% Shia Muslim, 9% Sunni Muslim, and 2% split among Judaism and Zoroastrian (the oldest monotheistic religion). As we learned in class, Iran is a theocratic regime that has democratic elements. (See BBC's "Iran, who holds the power?") This week's blog requires you to analyze some primary and secondary source documents on the experiences of religious minorities in Iran.
Directions:
1. Summarize two of the articles on the "Pilgrimage Through Iran" site (you'll have to click on two of the locations and view the articles/ videos or photo essays.)
The URL is: http://news21project.org/story/2007/07/26/interactive_map_pilgrimage_through_iran
What do they tell you about the experiences of religious minorities in Iran?
2. Consider the demographics of modern Iran. In a nation where over 90% of the population is Muslim can one argue that a constitution based on the Qu'ran IS democratic? Further, when a nation overwhelmingly favors one belief system, are democracy and theocracy one in the same? (In other words, does it make sense to have religious law when a vast majority of citizens share the same beliefs?) 
