Following the 1979 Revolution, Jafari left and eventually settled in the United States. His memoirs, based on extensive interviews with Homa Sarshar, were later published, and his distinctive account of Mosaddegh, the Shah, and the events of August 19 revived debate over the true extent of his role. Shaban Jafari died in California on August 19, 2006—exactly fifty-three years after the event that had permanently linked his name to one of the most consequential episodes in modern political history.
Jafari’s reputation developed within this world. He became a recognizable figure among Tehran’s jahels and lutis, terms that were used for various types of traditional urban toughs, neighborhood figures, and men associated with street culture. These groups were not politically uniform, and their motivations could vary considerably. Some were connected to religious institutions, some to local communities, some to sports clubs, and others to political patrons. Their influence came partly from their ability to mobilize people quickly in the streets.
