After Perestroyka and the fall of the Soviet Union, the Russians took down the statute of Lenin, renamed Leningrad St. Petersburg and basically removed the symbols of a regime which for 6.5 decades made their lives miserable.
To many Iranians, including me, Khomeini was, is and will be a symbol of misery and one of the worst things that ever happened to Iran and Iranians. The Islamic revolution happened towards the end of the twentieth century at a time which many countries such a China, S. Korea, Brazil, etc or even the tiny nation of Singapore started their transformation into heavy weights of industry and finance. Due to the so called Islamic revolution, Iran traveled back to the 14th century.
Whats happened has happened. We are now at a critical juncture. Its quite possible (although not highly probable now) that Iran’s Islamic regime could be toppled in a matter of months. If that happens and Iran becomes a secular democracy, what would happen to the humongous Mosque/Shrine built in the honor of Khomeini?
If it was up to me, the choice would be clear. I’d turn it to something culturally tabood; like a giant house of ill repute or demolish it to bits and pieces. Idea of a huge public bathroom is not very practical although it sounds very good.
But for at least 20% of Iranians living in Iran, Khomeini is a quasi sacred figure. To these people he is well respected and revered spiritual and national leader.
In your opinion, what should be done to this structure? What would YOU vote for?
