The formation of the narrative of the Islamic Revolution of Iran from the perspective of narrative construction theory, with emphasis on the role of media

The role of media and narrative in shaping historical memory and collective identity in the explanatory theories of the Iranian Islamic Revolution has received little attention. Therefore, this study examines the process of narrative formation around the Islamic Revolution and utilizes a theoretical framework of narrative analysis to clarify the existing dynamics. The research question was: What has been the role of official media, unofficial media, political elites, events, and social-political contexts in constructing and disseminating the narrative of the Islamic Revolution? Through a descriptive-analytical methodology, which involved describing the historical context of the Islamic Revolution and analyzing its narrative components and implications, the results showed that despite the second Pahlavi dynasty being equipped with a wide range of official media (radio, television, newspapers, and books) for propaganda and the establishment of the Pahlavi narrative, it faced narrative failure due to ideological weakness and contradictions. In contrast, unofficial media (cassette tapes, leaflets, mosques, and pulpits) and political elites, led by Imam Khomeini (may he rest in peace), influenced public perceptions and attitudes as well as narrative construction, drawing from the cultural and religious fabric of Iranian society during and after the Islamic Revolution. In other words, the reciprocal influence of unofficial media and historical narratives has been crucial in shaping revolutionary events, demonstrating that narrative played a significant role in forming and promoting revolutionary discourse and providing identity during the Islamic Revolution.