Ruhollah Khomeini
The most important figure in the history of modern Iran. Founder of the Republic of Iran and the first Supreme Leader serving from 1979-1989. Led the Iranian Revolution of 1979.
Background
Ruhollah Khomeini was a tremendously popular religious leader, hero of the Iranian Revolution and founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Khomeini spent more than 15 years in exile due to his disdain for the Last Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. During this time, he developed the ideology of velayat-e faqih, or guardianship of the jurist. This government placed a large emphasis on "guardianship," which was to be achieved through rule or supervision by head Islamic figures. Once Ruhollah Khomeini became the Supreme Leader, velayat-e faqih was implemented. Velayat-e faqih has many elements of a theocracy, chief among them is that the leader is a religious figure.
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