Iran's revolution turned the lives of many of its citizens upside down. It ushered in a hardline theocracy, which removed the rights of Iranians to choose the way they live. Freedom of expression and women's rights, in particular, took a big leap backwards. Sharia law in Iran considers that a woman is legally worth half a man.
The revolution ousted the reviled and undemocratic Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who is now looked back on more fondly by many Iranians. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini replaced the shah, and became known as Iran's Supreme Leader. He is credited with the creation of the Islamic Republic of Iran and died in 1989. He was succeeded by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the ultimate say in Iran. Murals and posters of both men adorn many buildings throughout Iran.