Ceremonies kicked off in Iran on Saturday, marking the 35th anniversary of the victory of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Ceremonies kicked off in Iran on Saturday, marking the 35th anniversary of the victory of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

On February 1 1979 the late founder of the Islamic Republic Imam Khomeini arrived back home from exile.

He spent more than 14 years in exile, mostly in the Iraqi holy city of Najaf. He also spent some time in Turkey and France, before his return to Iran.

The day when Imam Khomeini returned to Tehran marks the start of 10 days of celebrations better known as the 10-Day Dawn festivities, which culminate in nationwide rallies on February 11, the anniversary of the triumph of the Islamic Revolution.

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei visited the mausoleum of the late Imam Khomeini, southern Tehran, to pay tribute to the founder of the Islamic Revolution on Saturday morning.

The Iranian nation toppled the US-backed Pahlavi regime 35 years ago, ending the 2,500 years of monarchic rule in the country.

The Islamic Revolution spearheaded by the late Imam Khomeini established a new political system based on Islamic values and democracy.

During the 10-Day Dawn festivities, Iranians take part in different events and activities to mark the victory of the Islamic Revolution.