| During the 1970's, the political structure of Iran was in turmoil due to the fact that the country's leader had turned his government into a form of dictatorship, in which he controlled the ultimate powers. As resentment arose against the government's failure to guarantee civil and political rights, Iran's religious leaders, together with their rural supporters, resented what they considered measures that were hostile to Islam.;By 1977, then, discontent had led to widespread demonstrations against the Shah's policies, and after a landslide victory in a national referendum, Ayatollah Khomeini proclaimed Iran an Islamic republic on April 1, 1979.;While several communication techniques were found to have been used in the attempt to stir the people to rebel, it is argued that the Taziyeh, or Iranian passion play, was one of the most effective techniques chosen. The reason for this finding was that the people were able to relate to both the overt meaning of the play, and the more subtle characteristics of betrayal and wrongdoing by the Shah's government, which the religious leadership was able to portray through the meaning of the Taziyeh.;The study was needed to improve our understanding of the Shia communication system in general and of traditional Iranian communication system in particular. Communication researchers in the west should also gain an increased understanding of the motivations underlying contemporary Iranian behavior patterns.;This study employed both historical and critical research methods to investigate the Taziyeh as a communication event and as a medium of mass communication in Iran.;In the final analysis, then, it is argued that effective communication, regardless of the form it takes, must have meaning for the audience. If the people are able to connect with that meaning in some way or another, the message will get through, and the intended action will occur. |
