- Mohammad Reza Ameli Tehrani
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Dr.Mohammad Reza Ameli Tehrani was the former Information Minister of Iran during shah's regime and a co-founder of Pan-Iranist Party. He was sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court, and subsequently executed in May 1979.
Dr. Ameli was born in 1927 (1306 Khorshidi). After graduating from the University of Tehran Medical College and completing his residency specializing in anesthesiology, he joined the University’s Medical College faculty.
Dr. Ameli-Tehrani started his political activities at age 14 and was a life-long nationalist. He is considered the leading thinker of Iranian nationalism by most Iranian nationalists having authored several books and numerous articles on the subject.
The teachings of Dr. Ameli-Tehrani shed new light on Iranian nationalism by emphasizing the unity of Iranians in one united sovereign nation with full respect and equality for all Iran’s ethnic, linguistic and religious groups. It is a cultural nationalism based on history and culture of the Iranian nation rather than any strict ideology. It is a nationalism that incorporates freedom, democratic values, and mutual respect in relations with other nations. Also, it is a nationalism that is preserving and defensive, not offensive and expansionist.
Dr. Ameli-Tehrani also emphasized working closely with countries that share Iran’s heritage, culture, values and language in all areas of education such as establishing a common Language and Cultural Academy; student, professor and other educational exchange programs; and economic and commercial cooperation. And, at the same time having good relations with all countries based on mutual respect.
After 60 years, it seems that many Iranians now believe in this constructive form of nationalism.
Dr. Ameli-Tehrani lived a very simple life in a rented apartment and drove an old beat-up Paykan. For luxury and materialism, he cared less than nothing. He had no wealth to leave behind and his wife and four children were left in absolute poverty.
The Islamic Revolutionary Tribunal of Tehran found Dr. Mohammad Reza Ameli Tehrani, as well as 20 other individuals, “corruptor on earth” and condemned him to death. These 21 persons were executed by a firing squad in Tehran on May 8, 1979 at 5 a.m.
Dr. Ameli was a great man who not only believed, but also truly lived on the principle on serving Iran and the Iranian nation and ultimately sacrificed himself for that cause. Sacrifice was the essence and making of Dr. Ameli’s life. His last will and testament was full of references to Iran and ended with his final wish from his family: Do not think about me, think about Iran.
See also
References
1.^ a b Engheta, Naser (2001). 50 years history with the Pan-Iranists. Los Angeles, CA: Ketab Corp. ISBN 1-883819-56-3.
3.^ OMID (A Memorial in Defense of Human Rights)
4.^[1]
5.^[2]
External links
Categories:- 1979 deaths
- Pan-Iranist Party politicians
- Government ministers of Iran
- Iranian people of Lebanese descent
- 1927 births
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