Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – September 19, 1983

Early in the morning, the university community of Kerman came and consulted about political and economic issues and the elections. We went to the governor's office and attended a gathering of the [provincial] officials. [Hojjatoleslam Jafari] the Friday prayer leader spoke, and some of them raised their issues. I also spoke at length and emphasized unity and cooperation and called for activity and initiative and assistance to the neighboring deprived provinces. Then I met with the father of [Martyr] Dr. [Mohammad-Javad] Bahonar [and a number of members of Martyr Bahonar's family]; the old man still works in a shop. I considered this one of the honors of the Islamic Republic.

We went to the airport and flew by two helicopters to the Sarcheshmeh Copper Complex; an official reception was held. We immediately began the tour. A complete inspection was carried out. It is interesting; they work well. In each section, the engineers gave explanations and the workers expressed their feelings. After the congregational prayer, we had lunch in the restaurant and, after resting, I spoke to them in the mosque. I spoke of the value and grandeur of their work.

We went by car to Rafsanjan. We entered the governor's office. We sat down for discussions and consultations with the executive and judicial officials and the clerics. Then we went to the Grand Mosque; I gave a speech for the people. It was a good gathering. At sunset, the congregational prayer was performed and we headed toward Nough - my birthplace-. In Ferdowsiyeh, people had gathered in the middle of the road; we had no choice but to get out and I spoke to their gathering in the mosque. We headed toward Bahraman - our own village-. On the entrance street to the three villages - now it has become four villages, called Bostan   - on both sides, in an orderly fashion, the women on one side and the men on the other- they were standing to welcome us. We stopped. I got out and, using the car's loudspeaker, thanked them and promised that tomorrow I would attend their gathering in the mosque. I went to our old house. The arrangements for hospitality had already been made by borrowing carpets and facilities. A large group was accompanying me and a number of people had gathered; it became a good, informal gathering. I visited Hajieh Mother and my sisters and relatives and it was filmed. After dinner, they dispersed and the guests went to sleep. The guards were, as always, strict about security; I stopped them, saying this place is safe; they were upset, but they had no choice.