On Thursday, March 20, Iranians gathered at significant historical sites across the country to celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year, while also calling for the restoration of the monarchy. The crowds chanted the name of Reza Shah, the founder of the Pahlavi Dynasty, who played a crucial role in modernizing Iran a century ago.
In his annual Nowruz address, the leader of the Islamic Republic, Ali Khamenei, did not utter one word about the ancient Persian celebration. Instead, he criticized the United States and addressed issues related to Gaza and Yemen. He also underscored his government’s backing for Lebanon and Palestine, framing them as symbols of resilience.
In an interview with Kayhan Life, Dr. Jessica Emami—an adjunct professor of sociology at American University—shared her insights into the importance of Nowruz festivities in Iran. She pointed out the widening disconnect between the regime and the public’s needs, highlighted the ongoing strikes among labor unions stemming from a deepening economic crisis, and emphasized the crucial role of youth in shaping the country’s future. Dr. Emami also touched on the growing support for Prince Reza Pahlavi and his potential to help overturn the Islamic Republic.
Previously, Dr. Emami was the lead investigator for the National Survey of Iranian Americans, conducted by the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) in 2013 and 2014. She has also been actively involved with various nonprofit organizations, including the American Center for Labor Solidarity (Solidarity Center/AFL-CIO), the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), and Public Knowledge.
Nowruz Is Celebrated By 300 Million People; Ceremony Held In Persepolis
