The funerals of individuals killed during recent protests in Iran have become a powerful form of defiance against the regime. On January 15, 2023, family and friends of Sahba Rashtian, a 23-year-old who died from a gunshot wound during anti-government demonstrations on January 8, gathered at Bagh-e Rezvan Cemetery in Isfahan to reclaim her body. This incident highlights the broader resistance to state authority and traditional mourning practices.
As her loved ones sought Sahba’s name from a monitor displaying the names of the deceased, they faced a grim reality. Iran’s regime has intensified crackdowns on dissent, resulting in the deaths of thousands during protests. Despite the usual Shiite customs that dictate a structured farewell, Sahba’s family chose to reject these rituals. Her father firmly told a mullah to leave them alone, resulting in a funeral devoid of the customary prayers. Instead, they carried her coffin themselves, chanting her name as they marched.
Sahba’s father expressed pride in his daughter, stating, “Your friend was martyred on the path to freedom. Be happy that you were her friend.” This sentiment resonated throughout the gathering, where traditional expressions of grief transformed into celebrations of life and resistance. At her burial, her mother declared, “I don’t want to see her in a grave. I want to see the people who shot her in the grave.”
New Expressions of Grief and Defiance
The mourning rituals have evolved significantly during this upheaval. Videos shared on social media depict a stark contrast to traditional customs. For instance, during the chehellom for Arnika Dabbagh, mourners danced and clapped as music played, while others released doves into the sky in tribute to Sajjad Bayat. Such scenes illustrate a collective shift from sorrow to a more vibrant expression of resistance.
According to Nahid Siamdoust, an assistant professor at the University of Texas at Austin, these celebrations are a direct affront to long-standing Shiite traditions. She notes, “These joyous celebrations at these funerals are intentionally mounted to oppose a state that has championed a religion that they are now refusing.” Families of victims, including Sahba’s, have faced intimidation from security forces, who have explicitly warned against public gatherings.
The regime understands the significance of these assemblies. In the lead-up to the 1979 Iranian Revolution, similar gatherings catalyzed widespread dissent. Historical events, such as the death of Sheikh Ahmad Kafi, witnessed mourners raising anti-regime slogans, leading to violent confrontations with authorities.
Security Forces and State Repression
During the ongoing protests, which have reportedly resulted in at least 530 fatalities according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activist News Agency, state forces have responded with violence against mourners. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has been particularly aggressive in suppressing public grief, viewing it as a potential spark for unrest.
The sentiment among many Iranians shifted dramatically following the public execution of Majidreza Rahnavard in December 2022. His final words, requesting no religious rites at his funeral, have resonated with the public and galvanized opposition to the regime. His case exemplified the state’s brutal tactics and served as a rallying point for protestors.
In contrast to the regime’s narrative, families and supporters have opted for secular terminology to honor their deceased. The term “javid naam,” meaning “eternal name,” has emerged to replace the traditional martyrdom language. This shift signifies a reclaiming of identity and resistance against the state’s manipulation of religious language.
As protests continue and Iran faces external pressures, the future remains uncertain. Sahba’s friend reflected on the deep-seated frustrations that have fueled ongoing protests, stating, “For years, Iranians protested, and the state never reformed. Overthrowing the government is our first and last priority.”
The evolving dynamics of mourning and protest in Iran signal a profound challenge to the regime, as expressions of grief become entwined with calls for freedom and justice. The legacy of individuals like Sahba Rashtian is likely to inspire continued resistance against the state, reshaping the landscape of Iranian society in the process.
