Tehran witnessed large-scale demonstrations on , marking the 47th anniversary of Iran’s Islamic Revolution. Amidst the state-organised rallies, protesters burned an effigy labelled “Baal,” a figure from ancient Canaanite religion, prominently displaying the Star of David on the structure and chanting slogans against Israel and the United States.
Footage of the burning effigy circulated widely on social media, showing participants gathered around the figure as it was set ablaze while shouting Death to Israel
. The demonstrations, attended by over 25 million people nationwide according to Fars News, were presented by Iranian state media as a display of national unity against imperial powers
.
The choice of “Baal” as a symbol for the effigy is notable. Baal was an ancient Canaanite deity worshipped thousands of years ago in the Levant, with the name meaning lord
or owner
in Semitic languages. In contemporary usage, the figure has become associated with symbolism of corruption or the excesses of elites, with some referencing figures like Jeffrey Epstein in connection to the imagery. The inscription of the Star of David on the effigy appears to equate Israel with these negative connotations, a move that has drawn criticism for potentially exacerbating religious tensions.
Beyond the burning of the Baal effigy, the rallies included symbolic displays of opposition to the United States. Coffins bearing the names of senior US military officials were displayed alongside remnants of drones reportedly downed in previous confrontations. President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the crowds, calling for unity in the face of perceived foreign conspiracies.
The events unfold against a backdrop of heightened tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States. Recent regional conflicts and renewed political friction have contributed to an increasingly volatile environment. The burning of the effigy and the accompanying chants reflect the deep-seated animosity towards both Israel and the United States that is prevalent within segments of Iranian society and actively fostered by state rhetoric.
The use of ancient religious imagery blended with modern political messaging is a significant aspect of these demonstrations. By invoking the figure of Baal and associating it with the Star of David, protesters are tapping into a long history of religious and cultural narratives to frame their political grievances. This tactic risks inflaming religious hostility, critics argue, by presenting a religiously charged depiction of the opposing side.
The Islamic Revolution, which overthrew the Pahlavi dynasty in 1979, fundamentally reshaped Iran’s political landscape and established a theocratic government. The annual commemoration of the revolution serves as a key opportunity for the government to reaffirm its ideological foundations and demonstrate its continued opposition to perceived external threats. The scale of the rallies, with over 25 million participants reported, underscores the government’s ability to mobilise support and project an image of national unity.
The rallies also come at a time of ongoing economic challenges for Iran, exacerbated by international sanctions and internal economic mismanagement. While the demonstrations were primarily focused on anti-foreign sentiment, the underlying economic grievances likely contribute to the broader discontent within the population. The government’s emphasis on external enemies can be seen as a way to deflect attention from domestic problems and consolidate support around a common cause.
The burning of the Baal effigy and the accompanying anti-Israel and anti-US rhetoric are likely to further complicate diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region. The United States and Israel have consistently accused Iran of supporting terrorist groups and pursuing a destabilising agenda in the Middle East. Iran, in turn, accuses the United States and Israel of interfering in its internal affairs and undermining its national security. These mutual accusations create a cycle of mistrust and hostility that makes it difficult to find common ground.
The incident highlights the enduring complexities of the Iranian political landscape and the challenges facing efforts to promote regional stability. The intersection of religious symbolism, political grievances, and geopolitical tensions underscores the need for careful analysis and nuanced understanding of the dynamics at play. The events of serve as a stark reminder of the deep-seated animosities that continue to shape the Middle East.
