Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani
اکبر هاشمی رفسنجانی
4th President of Iran
In office 16 August 1989 – 3 August 1997
Supreme Leader	Ali Khamenei
First Vice President	Hassan Habibi
Preceded by	Ali Khamenei
Succeeded by	Mohammad Khatami
Chairman of Expediency Discernment Council
In office 4 October 1989 – 8 January 2017
Appointed by	Ali Khamenei
Preceded by	Ali Khamenei
Succeeded by	Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi
Chairman of the Assembly of Experts
In office 25 July 2007 – 8 March 2011
Supreme Leader	Ali Khamenei
Preceded by	Ali Meshkini
Succeeded by	Mohammad-Reza Mahdavi Kani
18th Speaker of the Parliament of Iran
In office 28 July 1980 – 3 August 1989
First Deputy	See list Ali-Akbar Parvaresh Mohammad Mousavi Khoeiniha Mohammad Yazdi Mehdi Karroubi
Preceded by	Javad Saeed
Succeeded by	Mehdi Karroubi
Member of the Assembly of Experts
In office 15 August 1983 – 8 January 2017
Constituency	Tehran Province
Majority	2,301,492 (5th term)
Tehran's Friday Prayer Temporary Imam
In office 3 July 1981 – 17 July 2009
Appointed by	Ruhollah Khomeini
Member of the Parliament of Iran
In office 28 May 1980 – 3 August 1989
Constituency	Tehran, Rey, Shemiranat and Eslamshahr
Majority	1,891,264 (81.9%; 2nd term)
Minister of Interior
Acting 17 November 1979 – 27 February 1980
Appointed by	Islamic Revolution Council
Preceded by	Hashem Sabbaghian
Succeeded by	Mohammad-Reza Mahdavi Kani
Personal details
Born	Akbar Hashemi Bahramani (1934-08-25)25 August 1934 Bahreman, Imperial State of Persia
Died	8 January 2017(2017-01-08) (aged 82) Tajrish, Shemiran, Iran
Resting place	Mausoleum of Ruhollah Khomeini
Political party	Executives of Construction Party
Other political affiliations	Islamic Republican Party (1979–1987) Combatant Clergy Association (1987–1996)
Spouse	Effat Marashi ​ (m. 1958)​
Children	Fatemeh Mohsen Faezeh Mehdi Yasser
Signature
Military service
Commands	Second-in-Command of Iran's Joint Chiefs of Staff
Battles/wars	Iran–Iraq War
Awards	Order of Fath (1st grade)

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani (born Akbar Hashemi Bahramani, 25 August 1934 – 8 January 2017) was an important Iranian politician. He was one of the people who helped create the Islamic Republic of Iran. He served as the fourth president of Iran from 1989 to 1997.

During his long career, Rafsanjani held many powerful roles. He was the speaker of parliament and a commander during the Iran–Iraq War. He also led the Assembly of Experts and the Expediency Discernment Council. Because of his strong influence, people sometimes called him "Akbar Shah."

Rafsanjani became president after winning elections in 1989 and 1993. He tried for a third term in 2005 but lost. He passed away in 2017 at the age of 82. While officials said he died from a heart attack, some people, including his family, wondered if something else happened.

Rafsanjani was known for his practical approach to politics. He supported a free market economy in Iran. He also wanted Iran to have better relationships with other countries, especially in the West. He helped start Islamic Azad University, a large university system in Iran.

Early Life and Education

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani was born on 25 August 1934. His family lived in the village of Bahreman near Rafsanjan in Kerman Province, Iran. They were wealthy pistachio farmers. His father, Mirza Ali Hashemi Behramani, was a well-known pistachio merchant.

When he was 14, Rafsanjani left home to study theology in Qom. There, he learned from important religious leaders. He became a student of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who later founded the Islamic Republic.

Political Journey

Before the Revolution

While studying, Rafsanjani became interested in politics. He joined the movement against Mohammad Reza Shah, the ruler of Iran at the time. He supported Ayatollah Khomeini's ideas.

Because of his activities against the Shah's government, Rafsanjani was arrested many times. He spent over four years in jail between 1960 and 1979. Khomeini trusted him to manage the money for the revolutionary movement.

After the Revolution

After the Iranian Revolution succeeded in 1979, Rafsanjani became a key figure in the new government. He was part of the Council of Islamic Revolution. He also served as acting interior minister.

He helped create the Islamic Republican Party and later suggested it be dissolved. His sharp political skills and Khomeini's trust made him one of the most powerful politicians in Iran. He was very close to Khomeini, acting as his "eyes and ears." He also helped establish the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Rafsanjani became one of the Tehran's Friday Prayer Imams, leading prayers for 30 years. He also played a big role in ending the Iran–Iraq War. He convinced Khomeini to agree to a ceasefire, which ended the eight-year conflict.

Leading the Parliament (1980–1989)

Hashemi as parliament chairman during the inauguration of Mohammad-Ali Rajai

Rafsanjani helped create Iran's first election law. He was elected to the Parliament of Iran in 1980. He served as the Speaker of Parliament for nine years. He was Speaker during the first and second terms of Parliament after the revolution.

He had a major role in removing Abolhassan Banisadr as Iran's first president in 1981. He also helped create the Expediency Discernment Council. This council helps resolve disagreements between the Parliament and the Guardian Council. Rafsanjani later became the chairman of this council.

Rafsanjani as the chairman of the parliament with future President Mohammad Khatami

After the death of Ayatollah Khomeini in 1989, Rafsanjani decided to run for president. He won the election and left his role as Speaker of Parliament.

Becoming President (1989–1997)

Rafsanjani with newly elected Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, 1989

As president, Rafsanjani focused on rebuilding Iran after the war with Iraq. He believed in an "economy-first" approach. He supported allowing private businesses to take over state-owned industries. His goal was to create a modern, industrial economy that was connected to the global market.

Domestic Policy

Rafsanjani pushed for a free market economy. He wanted to make Iran's economy stronger. He encouraged universities to work with industries to help the country grow. He also started projects like Islamic Azad University.

Hashemi with some Iranian commanders of Iran–Iraq War

During his time as president, Rafsanjani worked with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to keep the government stable after Khomeini's death.

Foreign Policy

Hashemi meeting with former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan

Rafsanjani tried to improve Iran's relationships with other countries. He worked to build ties with Arab nations and countries in Central Asia. However, relations with European countries and the United States remained difficult.

He spoke out against both the United States and Iraq during the Gulf War in 1991. After the war, he tried to improve relations with Western countries. Iran also provided humanitarian aid to people affected by the conflict.

Hashemi meeting with Abdullah of Saudi Arabia

Rafsanjani supported Iran's nuclear program but stated that Iran would not use weapons of mass destruction. He said Iran was ready to give "full assurances" that its nuclear achievements would not be used for military purposes. Many people saw him as someone who could help Iran reach a deal with the West to end economic sanctions.

Rebuilding Iran

After the Iran-Iraq War, Iran needed to rebuild. Rafsanjani's government focused on development and construction. They created the first development plan for the Islamic Republic of Iran.

This plan aimed to rebuild and improve the country's defense, production, and infrastructure. It also focused on improving public culture and creating economic growth. Rafsanjani's government paid a lot of attention to developing industrial and transportation systems.

After Being President

Hashemi supporters in the 2005 election

After his presidency, Rafsanjani continued to be an important political figure. In 2000, he ran for Parliament again. He was elected to the Assembly of Experts in 2006, representing Tehran. This body is responsible for choosing Iran's Supreme Leader.

In 2007, he was elected Chairman of the Assembly of Experts. He was re-elected in 2009. However, in 2011, he decided not to run for chairman again.

Rafsanjani in Eid al-Fitr prayer, while Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is sitting at his side

Rafsanjani also became a supporter of more freedom of expression in Iran. In a speech in 2009, he spoke about the importance of people's votes and the role of the media. Many people attended this speech, showing his continued influence.

2009 Election Protests

Hashemi with one of the protest leaders, Mehdi Karroubi

During the 2009 presidential election, there were protests after the results were announced. Rafsanjani's family faced challenges for supporting the opposition. His daughter was even arrested.

Rafsanjani, as chairman of the Assembly of Experts, was in a key position. He spoke publicly about the election crisis and the need for freedom of expression. His support for the Green Movement made him popular among many Iranians who wanted reforms.

2013 Presidential Election

Hashemi announcing his candidacy with his daughter, Fatemeh accompanied him.

In 2013, Rafsanjani tried to run for president again. However, the Guardian Council did not allow him to stand in the election. He then supported Hassan Rouhani, who went on to win the presidency.

Later Years

In his later years, Rafsanjani continued to support reformers in Iranian politics. He helped moderate forces win the presidential election in 2013 and parliamentary elections in 2016. He was seen as a key figure who could influence the Supreme Leader.

After being re-elected to the Assembly of Experts in 2016, Rafsanjani announced that it would be his last election. He said he could "die with peace of mind" after seeing a more moderate parliament elected.

Death

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani died on 8 January 2017, at the age of 82. He passed away due to a heart attack in a hospital in Tehran. The government announced three days of national mourning. Black banners were put up in cities, and some posters showed the Supreme Leader and Rafsanjani together.

After his death, a highway in Northern Tehran was named in his honor. Many other streets and buildings were also named after him, including the central building of Islamic Azad University and Kerman International Airport.

Views

Rafsanjani believed that having political parties was a natural part of society. He thought that Islam did not have a strict rule against parties. He felt that parties were necessary for the revolution to succeed.

Political Parties

Before the Iranian Revolution, Rafsanjani was involved in groups that opposed the Shah. He was connected to the Islamic Coalition and the People's Mujahedin of Iran.

Rafsanjani was a member of the Combatant Clergy Association. He also had close ties to the Executives of Construction Party and the Moderation and Development Party.

He was seen as someone who could work with both conservative and reformist groups. He supported reformers in some elections but also had connections with conservatives.

Islamic Republican Party

Rafsanjani was involved in establishing the Islamic Republican Party shortly after the revolution. He discussed the idea with Ayatollah Khomeini, who initially had doubts but later agreed. The party was officially formed on 17 February 1979. Its goal was to give religious leaders an organized political group. The party received financial support from people's donations and from Khomeini himself.

Electoral History

Year	Election	Votes	%	Rank	Notes
1980	Parliament	1,151,514	≈54	15th	Won
1982	Assembly of Experts	2,675,008	84		Won
1984	Parliament	1,891,264	81.9	1st	Won
1988	Parliament	1,573,587	82.3	1st	Won
1989	President	15,537,394	96.1	1st	Won
1990	Assembly of Experts	1,604,834	85		Won
1993	President	10,449,933	64	1st	Won
1998	Assembly of Experts	1,682,188	60		Won
2000	Parliament	749,884	25.58	30th	Won but withdrew
2005	President	6,211,937	21.13	1st	Went to run-off
	President run-off	10,046,701	35.93	2nd	Lost
2006	Assembly of Experts	1,564,197	≈41	1st	Won
2013	President	–			Disqualified
2016	Assembly of Experts	2,301,492	51.13	1st	Won

Personal Life

Hashemi speaking as his wife, Effat listens.

Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani married Effat Marashi in 1958. They had five children: three sons named Mohsen, Mehdi, and Yasser, and two daughters named Fatemeh and Faezeh.

His daughter Faezeh Hashemi became involved in politics. She was a representative in the Majlis and published a newspaper. Another daughter, Fatemeh, is the President of the Charity Foundation for Special Diseases. His son Mohsen was chairman of the Tehran Metro Organization.

Family Tree

Assets

The Rafsanjani family was well-off. His father was a wealthy businessman with a successful pistachio business. Hashemi and his partners also owned Islamic Azad University, which is a very valuable institution.

Assassination Attempts

Rafsanjani speaking with the media after the first assassination attempt

Early in his career, after the revolution, Rafsanjani was attacked by gunmen. He was not seriously hurt, and his wife bravely jumped in front of him to protect him. Ayatollah Khomeini famously said, "Great men of history do not die," when Rafsanjani survived the attack.

Books

Rafsanjani was also a writer. Some of his books include:

• Memories
• The Combat Era: This book is about events before the 1979 revolution. It shows his support for Khomeini and other national movements.
• Amir Kabir: the Hero of Fighting against Imperialism (1968)
• Tafsir Rahnama
• Explicit Letters

He also contributed to the Encyclopedia of Quran (Farhang-e-Quran), which explains subjects and concepts from the Quran.

See Also

In Spanish: Akbar Hashemí Rafsanyaní para niños

• Government of Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani (1989–97)
• List of Ayatollahs
• List of members in the First Term of the Council of Experts