Poll Shows Revolution Anniversary Celebrations Attract Few Iranians

Every year since 1979, the Islamic Republic marks on 22 Bahman, the 11th month in the Persian calendar, the anniversary of the revolution that overthrew the monarchy. Marches are held through major streets and squares are decorated with flags, balloons and placards with revolutionary and religious slogans.

Government media outlets claimed that as many as 21 million Iranians participated in this year’s celebrations, which fell on February 11 following months-long nationwide protests demanding fundamental economic, social and political changes.

The results of a recent poll conducted by the collaborative initiative Iran Open Data among social media users gives a different picture.

About 97 percent of respondents said they did not participate in the celebrations, and 91 percent said that none of their family members did. 

As many as 83 percent of respondents said they had never participated in rallies to commemorate the anniversary of the revolution. 

Iran Open Data said that 1,280 social media users participated in its poll held from March 3 to March 22. It said 72 percent of respondents identified themselves as males, and 96 percent said they lived in urban areas. Most respondents were from Tehran. Their average age was 35 years. 

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The key findings of the poll are available in English here. 

Iran Open Data's original article in Persian is available here.  

Founded in 2016, Iran Open Data (IOD) strives to make Iran’s official data accessible, available and re-usable. Not only does IOD collect and process raw datasets for researchers and experts, it also publishes exclusive data-driven articles and digital stories for the general public. Additionally, IOD conducts public data calls and surveys on often neglected or taboo issues that are rarely addressed by the government. Follow IOD for all the data-stories concerning Iran.