Over the past century, the concept of “mother” in Iran has evolved dramatically, shaped by the country’s shifting political ideologies, cultural norms, legal structures, and literary traditions. Far from being a static or purely domestic figure, the Iranian mother has been central to national identity, ideological campaigns, and resistance movements. This article explores how the role and representation of mothers in Iran have transformed across six key periods, tracing their depiction in poetry, their lived experiences in society, and the laws and political frameworks that have both constrained and empowered them.

Late Qajar to Early Pahlavi Era (1920s–1940s): The Moral Anchor

In early modern Persian poetry, mothers were often depicted as sacred nurturers and moral guides. Poets such as Parvin Etesami cast mothers in archetypal roles, echoing virtues of modesty, patience, and wisdom. Society reflected this ideal: mothers were caregivers, largely uneducated and confined to the private sphere.

Politically, nationalism was on the rise. Mothers were viewed as the moral educators of the next generation of Iranian citizens. Legally, however, women—including mothers—had almost no rights. Civil codes were rooted in Shari’a law, denying mothers custody, inheritance rights, and legal autonomy.

Pahlavi Modernization Era (1940s–1979): The Educated Matron

As Reza Shah and later Mohammad Reza Shah pursued rapid modernization, the role of women began to shift. Mothers became symbols of Iran’s progress, with increasing access to education and participation in civic life. Poetry began to reflect this complexity, with more layered portrayals of women as emotionally and intellectually capable.

Politically, the regime viewed mothers as agents of nation-building, promoting state-endorsed models of educated motherhood. Culturally, this era saw tension between traditional values and Westernizing influences. Notably, the 1967 and 1975 Family Protection Laws marked a turning point: they granted mothers rights in divorce, child custody, and marriage consent, signaling a brief period of legal empowerment.

Islamic Revolution and Iran-Iraq War (1979–1988): The Sacred Martyr-Mother

The 1979 Islamic Revolution redefined motherhood through a religious lens. The mother was now the moral foundation of an Islamic society, entrusted with raising martyrs and guardians of the faith. State-sponsored poetry and propaganda celebrated the “mother of a martyr” (madar-e shahid) as a divine figure of sacrifice and national devotion.

In society, women were pushed back into traditional roles. The new theocracy imposed dress codes, restricted mobility, and rescinded many of the Pahlavi-era legal reforms. The Family Protection Law was repealed, and Shari’a-based laws reinstated male guardianship. Mothers had little legal standing in matters of custody or family autonomy.

Reconstruction and Reformist Era (1989–2009): The Resilient Survivor

In the aftermath of war, a new image of the mother emerged: that of the survivor. Poetry and cinema began to reflect the emotional toll of war, economic hardship, and social transformation. Films by directors like Asghar Farhadi portrayed complex maternal characters navigating moral dilemmas and systemic constraints.

Socially, many mothers became heads of households or educators. Politically, reformist governments promoted moderate improvements in women’s rights, though change was slow. Legally, mothers saw incremental gains in custody rights and access to family courts, but patriarchal structures persisted.

Post-Green Movement & Diaspora (2009–2021): The Witness and Activist

Following the disputed 2009 election and the rise of the Green Movement, mothers became symbols of protest and remembrance. The “Mothers of Khavaran” and “Mothers of Laleh Park,” who mourned and demanded justice for their slain children, gained national and international attention.

Poetry and art in exile explored themes of loss, displacement, and maternal resilience. Socially, mothers in the diaspora often balanced Iranian traditions with global identities. A significant legal milestone came in 2020 when Iranian women gained the right to pass citizenship to their children—a crucial step for bi-national families.

“Woman, Life, Freedom” Era (2022–Present): The Grieving Revolutionary

The death of Mahsa (Jina) Amini in 2022 ignited nationwide protests, during which mothers emerged as powerful voices of resistance. Grieving mothers like those of Nika Shakarami and Hadis Najafi became symbols of moral authority, refusing silence in the face of repression. Their testimonies—amplified on digital platforms—challenged the state’s moral legitimacy.

Poetry now features mothers as vocal agents of dissent, mourning, and courage. Culturally, the mother is no longer a background figure but a frontline participant in national upheaval. Legally, however, little has changed: mothers of murdered protesters face surveillance, harassment, and no access to justice. Family law remains deeply biased, and mechanisms for state accountability are absent.

Conclusion

The Iranian mother is not just a familial figure—she is a national symbol, a political actor, and a legal subject. From moral educator to martyr-maker, from silent mourner to revolutionary witness, the role of the mother has been continuously reinvented in response to Iran’s complex historical currents.

Poetry has chronicled these shifts with emotional clarity; politics has manipulated and resisted them; culture has negotiated them; and the law has often lagged behind or reinforced inequality. Yet through each phase, Iranian mothers have remained central to the nation’s most intimate and transformative stories—no longer passive but, increasingly, powerful in voice and vision.

This reflection is offered as part of the Iran 1400 Project’s commitment to exploring the evolution of ideas and institutions that have shaped Iranian society. In honor of Mother’s Day, we present this light yet layered examination as a tribute to the enduring strength, complexity, and courage of Iranian mothers across generations.