**Abbas Milani’s Mission to Preserve Iranian History and Promote Democratic Change** Abbas Milani, a prominent Iranian-American scholar and historian, has dedicated his career to preserving and promoting the rich cultural and historical heritage of Iran, as well as advocating for democratic reforms in the country. His journey is a testament to the complexities of Iranian politics and the enduring spirit of a people striving for freedom. **Early Life and the Iranian Revolution** Milani’s connection to Iran’s tumultuous history began in the 1970s when he was an assistant professor at Tehran University, teaching political science and law. On the eve of the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which overthrew Mohammad Reza Shah and brought Ayatollah Khomeini to power, Milani was deeply concerned about the future of his country. Despite the widespread enthusiasm for change, Milani had read Khomeini’s writings and feared the rise of an extreme and oppressive regime. His concerns were validated as the new Islamic Republic imposed strict segregation laws, mandatory hijab for women, and severe restrictions on Western culture, leading to brutal punishments for minor offenses. **Life Under the Islamic Republic** The situation in Iran worsened when Iraq invaded in September 1980. Milani and his family endured frequent bombings, air raids, and shortages of basic supplies, including medicine. In 1985, he fled Iran for California, where he had previously spent his formative years, attending high school in Oakland and completing his undergraduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley. His American education, particularly the exposure to radical ideas and movements of the late 1960s and early 1970s, had a profound impact on his worldview. Milani was inspired by figures like Bobby Seale, Huey Newton, and Mario Savio, who fought for civil rights and free speech. **Political Activism and Imprisonment** Before the revolution, Milani was involved in the leftist movement in Iran, which opposed the Shah’s regime. This activism led to his imprisonment in the notorious Evin Prison in 1975, where he spent a year. Despite the harsh conditions, Milani considers his time in prison as one of the most educational experiences of his life. He observed the inner workings of the future Islamic Republic and interacted with prominent clerics who would later become key figures in Khomeini’s government, including Ayatollah Akbar Rafsanjani and Ayatollah Hussein-Ali Montazeri. **Academic Career and Contributions** After his release and subsequent flight to the United States, Milani continued his academic pursuits. He joined Stanford University in 2003 as a research fellow at the Hoover Institution, where he also serves as the Hamid and Christina Moghadam Director of Iranian Studies. Over the past two decades, he has established Stanford as a leading center for Iranian studies, focusing on modern Iranian society, politics, and religion. The program has expanded to include the study of Iranian culture, thanks to additional support from Bita Daryabari, an Iranian American philanthropist, entrepreneur, and computer scientist. **Archival Collections and Research** Milani has been instrumental in building a wide range of archival collections at Stanford, which are crucial for understanding Iran’s recent history. One of the most significant is the archive of Ardeshir Zahedi, Iran’s former ambassador to the United States, held at the Hoover Institution Library & Archives. This collection includes hundreds of boxes of diplomatic correspondence, government documents, and previously unseen photos, providing valuable insights into the 1953 coup orchestrated by the CIA. Stanford University Libraries also house 11 distinct collections related to Iranian history, culture, and politics, including those of important women such as scholar Homa Nategh and journalist Homa Sarshar. **Optimism and Advocacy for Change** Despite the challenges and the enduring nature of the Islamic Republic, Milani remains optimistic about the future of Iran. He sees the resurgence of democratic sentiments, particularly among Iranian women, as a hopeful sign. Milani believes that Reza Shah’s modernization policies, such as the "great unveiling" from 1939 to 1979, have laid the groundwork for the current generation's commitment to freedom and secular democracy. His work, including his two-volume book "Eminent Persians," profiles key innovators in Iran between World War II and the Islamic Revolution, drawing on original interviews and archival material. **Recognition and Impact** Milani’s contributions have been widely recognized. In 2024, he was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, which celebrates inspiring Americans working for the betterment of the United States. In 2017, he received the Richard W. Lyman Award from the Stanford Alumni Association for his active involvement in alumni activities. His perspective is highly valued in the Iranian diaspora community and by his Stanford colleagues, who describe him as a transformative figure and a voice of reason. **Conclusion** Abbas Milani’s mission to preserve Iran’s history and promote democratic change has been a lifelong endeavor. Through his academic work, archival collections, and advocacy, he has made Stanford University a vital hub for research on modern Iran. As the Iranian studies program celebrates its 20-year anniversary, Milani’s hope for a secular democracy in Iran, driven by the activism of Iranian women, continues to inspire and guide his work.