The Unassuming Residence of Iran’s First Supreme Leader
Tucked away in a narrow lane of Tehran’s Husayniyeh Jamaran district stands a modest single-story house, once the home of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the architect of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution and the country’s inaugural Supreme Leader.
Simple Living Amidst Revolutionary Power
The house sharply contrasts with the lavish residences associated with Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Shah ousted by Khomeini’s revolution. The building itself formerly belonged to Hujjal al-Islam Sayyid Mahdi Imam Jamah, who generously offered it to Khomeini at no cost. Despite this, Khomeini paid a modest sum of 1,000 riyals for the property, underscoring his humble nature.
Inside the Dwelling
Upon entering through a narrow doorway, visitors find themselves in a quiet courtyard where a portrait of Khomeini is displayed. The house features two main rooms, including a sitting area adorned with simple furnishings: a small sofa, white curtains, and a microphone placed on a nearby table. This room, notable for its Egyptian-style decorations, served as a venue where Khomeini met with government officials and other visitors.
Khomeini’s wife, Khadijeh Saqafi, also shared this home with him.
Connection to the Husayniyeh
A temporary passage links the residence to the adjacent Husayniyeh, a hall where Khomeini regularly met his supporters and delivered sermons. The hall’s lack of extravagance and refusal of suggested enhancements, such as tile work proposed by devotees, reflect Khomeini’s well-known disdain for flaunting wealth or spending public funds on personal embellishments.
The Residence’s Renewed Spotlight Amid Regional Tensions
In recent times, this humble house has drawn renewed attention as Khomeini’s successor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, steers Iran through a tense conflict with Israel. Following days of missile exchanges, tensions have escalated dramatically, fueling concerns over stability in the Middle East.
In a recent televised address, Khamenei emphasized Iran’s resilient stance: "The Iranian nation will stand firmly against any imposed war, just as it always has. The Iranian nation also firmly stands against any imposed peace. The Iranian nation will not capitulate to anyone in the face of coercion."
Backdrop of Nuclear Dispute
Israel views Iran’s nuclear program as an existential threat and vows to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran insists its nuclear ambitions are solely peaceful. However, recent uranium enrichment levels have reached 60% purity, nearing weapons-grade threshold, intensifying international apprehension.
A Symbol of Modest Leadership
The simple home of Ayatollah Khomeini stands as a poignant symbol of leadership rooted in minimalism and devotion rather than opulence. In stark contrast to the luxury of the deposed Shah, the residence embodies the revolutionary values that reshaped Iran’s history.
