1978 Tabriz protests refers to the events occurred 40 days after 1978 Qom protests, on 18 February 1978. Several clerics in Qom and other major cities across Iran announced the 40th-day commemoration for those killed during the Qom incidents. The most prominent of the developments occurred in Tabriz. Also, announcements were published in universities a few days before the 40th-day commemoration of the events in Qom, inviting students and professors to close the university and join the demonstrators. On the announced day, 18 February 1978, a large crowd was led by Ayatollah Seyyed Mohammad Ali Qazi Tabataba'ei towards the Qezelli mosque, which was closed by the police to avoid the 40th-day commemoration to be held. The clash between police and the people over the mosque closure led to the death of a young student protestor, Mohammad Tajalli, whose body was then taken to the streets. People attacked wine stores and cinemas and set fire to the Rastakhiz Party headquarters. As a result, at least 14 people were killed and 125 others injured. Prelude Announcements Given the large number of people killed during the 1978 Qom incident, several clerics in Qom and several other major cities across Iran announced the 40th-day commemoration, the most prominent of which was Tabriz. Ayatollah Golpayegani and Marashi issued notices on 14 and 15 February 1978 and called for the formation of 40th day anniversary of Qom "martyrs." Seyyed Mohammad Sadegh Hosseini Rouhani also gave messages and declared Saturday, the 10th of Rabi al-Awwal, the 40th day anniversary of the martyrs of Qom, as a day of public mourning. Also, on 14 February 1978, Ayatollah Shariatmadari issued a statement regarding for the 40th anniversary. Ayatollah Seyyed Mohammad Ali Qazi Tabataba'ei was the most prominent pro-Khomeini cleric in Tabriz. The organization, management, and leadership of various communities in the street and market were also formed by Ayatollah Qazi from mosques such as Sha'ban, Maghbara, Qezelli and Seyyed Hamza. Sha'ban mosque was the "nerve center of religious opposition in the city," after the Qom incidents. Several announcements were published in universities a few days before the 40th day anniversary of the events in Qom, inviting students and professors to close the university and join the demonstrators. The protesters managed to close many classes, although SAVAK was very sensitive to universities and had a subtle influence among university students and professors. Regime preparations The governor of Azerbaijan province at