Tehran, Iran | In a dramatic display of political symbolism and public anger, thousands of Iranians took to the streets on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, marking the 47th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution with mass rallies and the burning of an effigy representing “Baal,” a figure rooted in ancient Middle Eastern mythology, prominently marked with a Star of David.
The state-organised demonstrations, held across Tehran and other major cities, echoed with chants of “Death to Israel” and “Death to America”, highlighting deep-seated hostility towards Western powers and Israel amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The burning of the Baal effigy, depicted with horns and inscribed with a Star of David, was one of the most striking elements of the day’s events.
While Baal was an ancient Canaanite deity often referenced in historical and religious texts, its use in the rallies was widely interpreted as a symbolic equating of Israel with evil or corrupt forces in the eyes of the protesters.
Iranian state media framed the colourful and confrontational displays as a demonstration of national unity against what officials described as “imperial powers” seeking to undermine the Islamic Republic.
Footage shared across social media showed large crowds waving Iranian flags, setting fire to effigies, and chanting slogans in the national capital.
In Tehran’s Azadi Square, some protesters also burned American and Israeli flags, reinforcing the rally’s anti-Western tenor.
Alongside symbolic burnings, state-aligned media released images of mock coffins draped in the U.S. flags bearing names of senior military officials and displays of military hardware, including missiles and debris from drones, all meant to underscore Tehran’s defiant stance.
Analysts and critics have cautioned that using potent religious and historical imagery in modern political conflicts can deepen divisions and fuel misunderstanding.
The conflation of ancient mythological figures like Baal with contemporary geopolitical opponents risks amplifying sectarian tensions at a time when the Middle East remains volatile.
The anniversary rallies come against a backdrop of heightened regional friction, with Iran’s leaders affirming resistance against foreign influence and reaffirming support for allied groups in conflicts across the Middle East.
While the official narrative in Tehran highlights unity and resistance, the international reaction has been mixed, with some world capitals expressing concern over the incendiary rhetoric and symbolic displays that could exacerbate regional instability and complicate diplomatic efforts.
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