Cell No. 14 : The Autobiography of Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei

This book, whose Arabic version has been dedicated to the Arab youth, mainly concentrates on the time Sayyid Ali Khamenei spent in prison and is the first formal memoir published by the Office of the Supreme Leader of Iran. This autobiography covers the first half of the life of the leader of the Islamic Revolution Sayyid Ali Khamenei, from his early childhood all the way to the 1979 Islamic Revolution that brought the monarchical regime to an end in Iran. It provides a gripping account of a life full of struggle and fighting for justice and establishing an Islamic order in his country. It is a remarkable saga of a young cleric blessed with an indomitable spirit who fights a dictatorial regime with his sermons and speeches as well as with his organisational abilities. He never loses hope despite being sent to prison and exile, and finally emerged victorious against all odds. This book serves as a source of inspiration to all activists around the globe who are trying to bring about social and political change. This book contains beautiful illustrations depicting different stages in the life of Ayatollah Khamenei. CONTENTS GLOSSARY 1 FOREWORD 3 FLASHES FROM THE PAST 5 UNDER THE TUTELAGE OF EMINENT SCHOLARS 27 ON THE BANKS OF THE TIGRIS 37 THE FIRST SPARK 45 THE SEEDS OF REVOLUTION 51 THE SUN’S SHADOW 61 DRENCHED IN TEARS 67 THE CRIMSON FORTRESS 77 THE WHITE PALACE 107 A HOME WITH NO FURNITURE 119 THE MILITARY TRIBUNAL 129 PRISON CELL 14 151 THE CRYPTOGRAPH 173 EXILE 205 VICTORY AFTER HARDSHIP 227 PICTURES AND DOCUMENTS 243