TEHRAN - Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, paid homage to the late founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini, on Wednesday ahead of the 45th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution of 1979.

During his visit to Imam Khomeini's mausoleum in southern Tehran, he offered prayers and recited verses from the Holy Quran. Subsequently, he paid respect at the burial ground of martyrs who lost their lives during the popular uprising that led to the revolution or while upholding revolutionary values afterward, at Behesht-e Zahra, Tehran's main cemetery.

The Leader also paid homage to the grave of martyr Mohammad Amin Samadi (who was recently assassinated during an Israeli strike on Syria) and several other martyrs who helped defeat Daesh during Iran’s fight against the terror group in the 2010s. 

The period from February 1st (Bahman 12th) to February 11th (Bahman 22nd) of 1977 (1357) is known as the " 10-day Fajr” period. During this time, Imam Khomeini returned to Iran after fifteen years in exile, receiving a historically unprecedented welcome in Tehran. Subsequently, the Pahlavi regime, which had oppressed the nation for over 50 years, came to an end on February 23rd. Following the success of the revolution, a referendum was held on July 28, 1979, resulting in the approval of the creation of the Islamic Republic by 98.2% of eligible citizens. 

The beginning of the Fajr period is usually marked by the Leader’s visit to Imam Khomeini's burial site. People celebrate the historic period in different parts of the country each year.