Ettela'at: A Press Legacy
Exploring the history and enduring influence of Iran's oldest continuously published Persian daily newspaper.
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Overview
The Premier Daily
Ettela'at (Persian: ุงุทูุงุนุงุช, meaning "Information") stands as a cornerstone of Iranian journalism. Established on July 10, 1926, it holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously published Persian daily newspaper globally. Its enduring presence signifies a deep connection to the nation's historical narrative and public discourse.
Conservative Voice
The newspaper maintains a consistently conservative political alignment. Its editorial focus encompasses a broad spectrum of national interests, including political developments, cultural trends, societal issues, and economic news, providing a distinct perspective within Iran's media landscape.
Historical Significance
Throughout its near-century of publication, Ettela'at has witnessed and documented pivotal moments in Iranian history. From the Pahlavi era through the 1979 Revolution and into the present day, the newspaper has served as both a chronicler of events and an influential voice in public opinion.
History
Founding and Early Years
Founded by Abbas Massoudi, Ettela'at began as a modest four-page weekly publication in 1926. Its initial circulation reached approximately 2,000 copies. Under Massoudi's leadership, the paper expanded its scope and readership, growing to eight pages by the start of World War II and achieving a circulation of 15,000 copies during the reign of Reza Shah.
The Pahlavi Era
During the reign of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Ettela'at was a prominent supporter of the monarchy. Abbas Massoudi himself held significant positions, serving as the vice president of the Iranian Senate in the late 1960s, underscoring the newspaper's influence and connection to the ruling establishment.
Role in the Revolution
In January 1978, an article published in Ettela'at critical of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini ignited widespread protests. The article, which questioned Khomeini's origins and alleged ties to foreign powers, led to demonstrations in Qom where police opened fire, resulting in casualties. This event significantly heightened tensions, contributing to the momentum that culminated in the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Both Ettela'at and its rival, Kayhan, faced censorship in October 1978 amidst the escalating unrest.
Post-Revolution Transition
Following the revolution, Ettela'at, along with Kayhan and Jomhouri-e Eslami, transitioned into state-sponsored publications. Their publishers became directly appointed by the Supreme Leader of Iran, reflecting the new political order.
Landmark Publication
In 1979, Ettela'at published the photograph known as "Firing Squad in Iran," depicting the execution of Kurdish militants. This powerful image, initially attributed to an anonymous photographer, later earned Jahangir Razmi the 1980 Pulitzer Prize, highlighting the newspaper's role in documenting significant, albeit controversial, historical moments.
Key Details
| Type | Daily Newspaper |
|---|---|
| Owner | Iran Chap Organisation |
| Founder | Abbas Massoudi |
| Publisher | Iran Chap Organisation |
| Editor | Abbas Salehi |
| Founded | 10 July 1926 (Established 99 years ago) |
| Politics | Conservative |
| Headquarters | Tehran, Iran |
| Website | ettelaat.com |
Citations
Source References
The information presented is derived from the following sources:
- Parvin 1998, pp. 58โ62.
- Arash Karami (15 March 2014). "Iran's Fourth Estate". Asharq Al Awsat. Archived from the original on 13 April 2015. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
- Abdolrasoul Jowkar; Fereshteh Didegah (2010). "Evaluating Iranian newspapers' web sites using correspondence analysis". Library Hi Tech. 28 (1): 119โ130. doi:10.1108/07378831011026733.
- Liora Handelman-Baavur (2019). Creating the modern Iranian woman: popular culture between two revolutions. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. p. 61. ISBN 978-1-108-62799-3. OCLC 1127288640.
- Mushira Eid (1 January 2002). The World of Obituaries: Gender across Cultures and over Time. Wayne State University Press. p. 52. ISBN 0-8143-3655-8.
- Camron Michael Amin (2004). "Importing "Beauty Culture" into Iran in the 1920s and 1930s: Mass Marketing Individualism in an Age of Anti-Imperialist Sacrifice". Comparative Studies of South Asia, Africa and the Middle East. 24 (1): 84. doi:10.1215/1089201X-24-1-81. S2CID 145745951.
- Ahmad Faroughy (1 December 1974). "Repression in Iran". Index on Censorship. 3 (4): 15. doi:10.1080/03064227408532367. S2CID 143139528.
- Amir Taheri (2 July 2018). "Leading Iranian Writer Dies in Exile". Asharq Al Awsat. London. Archived from the original on 23 July 2021. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
- Roham Alvandi (2010). "Muhammad Reza Pahlavi and the Bahrain Question, 1968โ1970". British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies. 37 (2): 168. doi:10.1080/13530191003794723. S2CID 159639635.
- Sandra Mackey; W. Scott Harrop (1996). The Iranians: Persia, Islam, and the Soul of a Nation. Dutton. p. 278. ISBN 978-0-525-94005-0.
- Mehrzad Boroujerdi; Kourosh Rahimkhani (2018). Postrevolutionary Iran. A Political Handbook. Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press. p. 3. ISBN 978-0815635741. Archived from the original on 21 September 2021. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
- Nicholas M. Nikazmerad (1980). "A Chronological Survey of the Iranian Revolution". Iranian Studies. 13 (1/4): 336. doi:10.1080/00210868008701575. JSTOR 4310346.
- Mahmud Farjami (2014). "Political Satire as an Index of Press Freedom: A Review of Political Satire in the Iranian Press during the 2000s". Iranian Studies. 47 (2): 233. doi:10.1080/00210862.2013.860325. S2CID 145067513.
- "11 Bahman 1357, tomorrow morning at 9, visiting Imam in Tehran".
- Nassereddin Parvin (1998). "Ettela'at". Encyclopaedia Iranica. Vol. IX, Fasc. 1. pp. 58โ62.
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Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional historical research, journalistic analysis, or consultation regarding Iranian media. Always refer to primary sources and consult with experts for definitive information.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.