Savorism, Resistance and Protest: A Look at the Experience of the Islamic Revolution of Iran

“Savorism” (Mahdism) has been investigated as a priceless legacy of Shiism from various angles. However, attending to its function in the emergence of the greatest revolution of the century can reveal its hidden aspects. On the other hand, the Islamic Revolution of Iran has been an interesting subject for the researchers from different angles. For this reason, a number of well-known sociologists have tried to analyze its factors on one hand and its effects on the other hand and lessen its complexity. In order to explain the function of Mahdism in the emergence of Islamic Revolution, we can use three sociological models: “mental-psychological model”, “structural-organizational model”, and “discourse model”. Although referring to the speeches of the revolutionary leader shows that Mahdism has been used in the two model of mental and structural, one should not restrict this progressive teaching to these two components. Mahdism has challenged the legitimacy of the current regime by creating a targeted discourse against the discourse of power and provide a plan with alternative values for the establishment of a new government. This can be regarded as a great function for Mahdism in the Iranian society.