Today in News History

On June 20, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1005, Ali az-Zahir, Fatimid caliph of Egypt (died 1036) was born. In 1914, Muazzez İlmiye Çığ, Turkish archaeologist and academic (died 2024) was born. In 1927, Simin Behbahani, Iranian poet and activist (died 2014) was born. In 1946, David Kazhdan, Russian-Israeli mathematician and academic was born. In 1956, Sohn Suk-hee, South Korean newscaster was born. In 1982, The International Conference on the Holocaust and Genocide opens in Tel Aviv, despite attempts by the Turkish government to cancel it, as it included presentations on the Armenian genocide. In 1990, The 7.4 Mw Manjil-Rudbar earthquake affects northern Iran with a maximum Mercalli intensity of X (Extreme), killing 35,000-50,000, and injuring 60,000-105,000. In 1990, Mohamed Mbougar Sarr, Senegalese writer was born. In 1994, The 1994 Imam Reza shrine bomb explosion in Iran leaves at least 25 dead and 70 to 300 injured. In 2019, Iran's Air Defense Forces shoot down an American surveillance drone over the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions between the two countries. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.