DATE=6/3/2000
TYPE=BACKGROUND REPORT
TITLE=IRAN KHOMEINI TOMB
NUMBER=5-46435
BYLINE=DALE GAVLAK
DATELINE=TEHRAN
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Beginning today (Saturday), thousands of
Shi'ite Muslim pilgrims are visiting the shrine of
Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini outside of Tehran to
commemorate his death and the overthrown of Iran's
Pahlavi monarchy. Eleven years after his death,
Images of Imam Khomeini's stern, bearded face still
stare down on Iranians from all major streets and even
in most shops throughout the country. His presence
and ideas are felt everywhere. Dale Gavlak reports
from Tehran.
TEXT:
/// SOUNDS OF CHILDREN - FADE UNDER ///
Iranian school children take annual class trips to
visit the tomb of the man they do not know, but whose
influence on their country's history and politics
affects every aspect of their lives.
Elementary teacher Shireen Husseini has brought her
class of seven-year-olds from Iserghani Islam primary
school in Tehran to Ayatollah Khomeini's shrine.
Although they make other class outings, like picnics
or camping trips, Mrs. Husseini says it is important
that these very young children are introduced to the
leader of the 1979 Islamic revolution by taking them
to his tomb. She speaks through a translator.
/// HUSSEINI, TRANSLATOR ACT ///
We give just some basic information to them that
he was the founder of the Islamic revolution and
the one who toppled the old regime and brought
in the new regime. Just such information
because they are kids and they will get to know
more as they grow.
/// END ACT ///
Commemorating Imam Khomeini's death and his role in
helping overthrow the Pavlavi dynasty coincides with
the dates of the deaths of Islam's Prophet Mohamed and
Shi'ite imams, Hassan and Reza. It gives the coming
week a powerful mix of religious mourning and Islamist
politics in Iran.
/// RELIGIOUS MUSIC ACT, FADE UNDER ///
A few scattered kiosks selling religious music and
tapes dot the vast, unfinished complex housing Imam
Khomeini's mausoleum. Huge turquoise and gold domes
cap the mosque housing the tomb located in what is
considered the world's largest burial ground -- the
Behesht-e Zahra cemetery. It is located along the
highway between Tehran and Islam's holy city of Qom.
Inside the mausoleum, women and men cluster together
either to pray, meditate, read or recline along the
100-meter-long, alabaster-colored marble floor.
/// PRAYER RECITATION ACT FADE UNDER ///
Another school group -- this time 12-year-old boys --
follows their male teacher. They are praying for Imam
Khomeini in front of his glass-covered tomb, which is
situated in the center of the mosque. His casket is
decked in a red cloth. A Koran is placed between his
casket and that of his son, Haj Sayed Ahmad e
Khomeini. Some Iranians believe the son was poisoned
to prevent his succession to power. Colorful Iranian
paper bills and coins - left by pilgrims seeking
special prayers -- line the tomb floor and glass
casing.
Despite the persistent references to Imam Khomeini,
the Islamic republic is evolving under the leadership
of reformist President Mohamed Khatami. Yet the new
reformist-led parliament's first act was to pay
respects at Imam Khomeini's tomb and pledge allegiance
to the Islamic revolution.
Two young girls, covered from head to foot in a
traditional black chador, drop to the floor to pray.
Then, speaking through a translator, one of the girls
explains why they are visiting.
/// GIRL ACT ///
We are very interested to come here. The love
we have for Imam Khomeini fills us here.
/// END ACT ///
Although guards are on hand to make sure order is
maintained, the guards say they have never seen any
problems erupt inside the mausoleum.
/// GUARD ACT IN FARSI FADE UNDER ///
Ali Shafei is serving his two-year Iranian military
commitment guarding the tomb. He says sometimes a few
people visit, other times the mausoleum is so crowed
visitors can not find a place to sit or stand. It all
depends, he says, on the religious ceremony or
occasion.
For nine-year-old Somaya Shabani, visiting Imam
Khomeini's shrine is a weekly ritual. Dressed in a
bright red and yellow floral print dress, Somaya,
looks like she has come from Iran's countryside rather
the area nearby the tomb.
/// SOMAYA ACT IN FARSI FADE UNDER ///
She says here is the imam's shrine and Iranians come
here for him. Everybody who has a problem comes here
to tell the imam and she says they expect he will
answer their prayers. (SIGNED)
NEB/DG/GE/JP
03-Jun-2000 10:10 AM EDT (03-Jun-2000 1410 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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