Key facts
- Millions of Iranians attended the funeral of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
- The funeral procession was blocked by uncontrollable crowds, leading to chaos and a postponed burial.
- At least eight people were killed and approximately 11,000 injured.
- Khomeini's son, Ahmad, was caught in the crush and had to be evacuated.
- The event was recognized by Guinness World Records for the largest percentage of a population attending a funeral.
Millions of Iranians gathered on June 6, 1989, for the funeral of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The sheer volume of mourners overwhelmed authorities, leading to extreme chaos, with reports of at least eight deaths and approximately 11,000 injuries. The intense heat and overwhelming crowds caused the casket to be jostled, and Khomeini's son, Ahmad, was also caught in the crush.
Security forces attempted to disperse the crowds by firing into the air, but were unsuccessful in controlling the situation. The funeral procession was halted, and the burial had to be postponed as it became impossible to move the hearse through the sea of mourners. The official Islamic Republic News Agency reported that it was impossible to complete the burial before dusk, which is forbidden in Islam. Alternative burial arrangements were to be announced later.
Khomeini, who died at age 86, was to be buried at Baheshte Zahra cemetery. The event was later recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest percentage of a population to attend a funeral, with an estimated 10.2 million people, about one-sixth of Iran's population at the time, in attendance. The situation highlighted the immense public grief and devotion to the late leader. Following Khomeini's death, President Ali Khamenei was appointed caretaker leader, with presidential elections and constitutional reforms scheduled for August 18.