What Iran’s Dead Loved and Fought For

In January 2026, 24-year-old Raha Bahloulipour, a student of Italian literature at the University of Tehran, was killed during protests against the Iranian regime. Her story, pieced together from her online activity, offers a poignant glimpse into a life lived fully amidst political turmoil and a deep love for art and culture.

A Life Documented Online

Raha meticulously documented her experiences and passions online. Beginning in August 2023, she used the film-cataloging app Letterboxd to log 795 films over 888 days, noting when, where, and how she watched them. She also maintained a Telegram channel dedicated to arts and culture, sharing her thoughts on music, novels, films, and the city of Tehran.

Did You Know? Raha logged her viewing of Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value on January 2, 2026, and tagged it with “protests,” reflecting the context of the ongoing demonstrations.

From Literary Pursuits to Political Activism

While she once expressed a sentiment akin to simply “living” life, as reflected in a quote from Joan Didion she shared in August 2023, the realities of life in Iran made political detachment impossible. By December 29th, Raha was actively participating in the protests, sharing her excitement and calling for solidarity on Telegram. Her posts often blended English, Italian, and Persian, revealing a cosmopolitan outlook.

Economic Hardship and Discontent

Raha’s online writings reveal the economic hardships faced by many Iranians. In February 2025, she wrote on X that she could “barely afford one meal a day” and expressed her frustration with the Islamic Republic. This economic strain, coupled with political restrictions, fueled her involvement in the protests.

Cinema as a Reflection of Life and Resistance

Raha’s love for cinema was profound. She believed that film could provide courage and a deeper understanding of humanity. Throughout January, even as protests escalated, she continued to watch movies, including V for Vendetta and La La Land, and revisited favourites like Bernardo Bertolucci’s The Dreamers, a film about student protests. She logged a total of 22 films with the “protests” tag.

Expert Insight: Raha’s continued engagement with art, even amidst intense political upheaval, highlights the enduring power of culture as a source of solace, inspiration, and a means of processing complex realities.

A Final Message of Defiance

Despite an internet blackout imposed by the regime, Raha briefly connected online on January 9th, posting a final message: “Women, Life, Freedom. Forever.” This message, echoing the movement’s slogan, serves as her political testament. She was killed by a bullet that pierced her lungs on January 8 or 9, becoming one of thousands of protesters killed by the regime.

The Aftermath and a New Form of Mourning

The exact number of protesters killed remains unknown, with estimates ranging from 3,000 to 10,000. Iranians are mourning the loss of life with a new spirit of defiance, adopting the term javidnaam (“eternal name”) instead of the traditional Islamic term for martyr. Raha Bahloulipour’s name, and her story, will endure as a symbol of this struggle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Raha studying?

Raha Bahloulipour was a 24-year-old student of Italian literature at the University of Tehran.

How did Raha document her life?

Raha used the Letterboxd app to log films and a Telegram channel to share her thoughts on arts, culture, and her life in Tehran.

What was Raha’s final message?

Raha’s final message, posted on Telegram on January 9th, was “Women, Life, Freedom. Forever.”

Considering Raha’s dedication to documenting her life and her passions, what do you think her legacy will be for future generations in Iran?