The Rest Is History
The Rest Is History

Revolutions: Iran, the Prague Spring, and Ceaușescu’s Fall | History in Photos

March 31, 2026 • 14m

Summary

⏱️ 7 min read

Overview

Dominic Sandbrook introduces a new Rest is History Club mini-series exploring photography and history with portrait photographer Chris Floyd. In this first episode, they examine iconic photographs of revolutions, focusing particularly on Iranian photographer Abbas and his documentation of the 1979 Iranian Revolution. The discussion explores how Abbas captured pivotal moments including Ayatollah Khomeini's rise to power, the US hostage crisis, and the failed Operation Eagle Claw rescue mission.

Introduction to Photography and History Series

Dominic Sandbrook unveils a new exclusive mini-series examining the intersection of photography and history. The series will cover revolutions, music, fashion, and technology, featuring discussions with photographer Chris Floyd about iconic historical images. This first episode focuses on revolutionary moments captured through photography.

  • New mini-series covering photography's role in documenting revolutions, music, fashion, and technology
  • Chris Floyd joins as expert to discuss historical photographic moments
  • First episode focuses on revolutions including Arab Spring, Prague Spring, and Romania 1989

Abbas: Documenting the Iranian Revolution

Chris Floyd introduces Abbas Attar, the definitive photographer of the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Born in Iran but raised in Algeria and based in Paris, Abbas spent his career documenting the impact of religion on people. His extraordinary access during the revolution allowed him to capture pivotal moments from inside rooms with Ayatollah Khomeini to the desert wreckage of failed American rescue operations.

  • Abbas (Abbas Attar) born 1944, life's work documented the effect of religion on people
  • Abbas was exiled from Iran after documenting the revolution, didn't return until 1997
  • Photographed Ayatollah Khomeini meeting with Ayatollah Shariati Madari to ease tensions
  • Had remarkable access and presence throughout Iran during the revolution
" His life's work really was documenting the effect of religion on people. "

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