An Appraisal of the Expansion of Revolutionary Thought in Natanz County

This research is intended to review the role of Natanz County in Imam Khomeini’s movement and the Islamic Revolution. Closeness of this city to Qom and Kashan, the former was the main center of the movement, and the latter was a significant place, adds to its importance. Employing Giddens constructivist theory, we tried to review the aspects of structure and action of the people of Natanz towards the Islamic Revolution. The research findings indicated that a combination of economical structural factors (relative poverty and lack of welfare), cultural factors (propagation of Bahá'í Faith and fighting against Hijab) and security factors (the extensive attendance of the members of SAVAK) made people of Natanz dissatisfied with Pahlavi regime. On the other hand, the active role of people under the leadership of the clergymen facilitated spreading the revolutionary thoughts in this city. The revolutionary activists, in partnership with the prominent revolutionaries held secret meetings and helped expand the movement among the people. Some of them even helped the revolutionaries in other cities. For instance, some of the weapons of the revolutionaries of Kashan were provided by Natanz strugglers. The research follows a descriptive-analytical method based on oral history and documents.