National Studies Journal

The Steps of Development and Evolution of the Concept of Nationalism in Iranian Identity; From the Beginning of the 13th Century AH until the Martyrdom of General Soleimani

Hossein Mohammadisirat

Volume 24, Issue 93 , March 2023, , Pages 109-128

Abstract

  Nationalism is a modern concept arising from the identity transformations of the Western world. This new layer of identity gradually dominated the identity of the colonized countries, ...  Read More Nationalism is a modern concept arising from the identity transformations of the Western world. This new layer of identity gradually dominated the identity of the colonized countries, on the one hand, along with the development of the colonialism of the western countries and, on the other hand, with the development of western knowledge. Weak political systems and imitative pseudo-intellectuals were also very effective in accepting this new identity in an imitative and imposed pattern. However, with the passage of time and Iranian society's encounter with this new layer of identity, we have seen the active engagement and hosting of Iranian identity foundations towards nationalism, and during this development and evolution, nationalism was redefined in the local frameworks of Iranians. This redefinition started from the beginning of the 13th century and continued until after the Islamic Revolution in Iran. The current research, based on its independent theoretical framework, believes that Iranian identity has three layers of Iranianness, Islamism, and revolutionism. These layers have gradually been balanced and were able to build local nationalism. This research shows martyr Soleimani as an example of this identity balance, who was both Iranian and Muslim and also revolutionary. For this purpose, this qualitative research based on a historical study approach has investigated and studied the identity development and evolution during the last century.

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Analyzing the Policies of the Achaemenid Kingdom in the Formation and Consolidation of Iranian Identity

Ali Asghar Mirzaee

Volume 20, Issue 80 , December 2020, , Pages 157-175

Abstract

  The present paper deals with the policies of the Achaemenid kings in the process of formation and consolidation of Iranian identity in this period and tries to answer the following ...  Read More The present paper deals with the policies of the Achaemenid kings in the process of formation and consolidation of Iranian identity in this period and tries to answer the following questions what was the position of Iranian identity in the political, religious, and cultural programs of the Achaemenid kingdom? This research has been written with a historical, political, and sociological approach based on descriptive-analytic research method. The findings of the research indicate that Median and Persian Iranians, after overtaking of the Iranian element on the Iranian plateau, introduced and consolidated the Iranian identity in the ancient world. Darius, exploiting the opportunity of ethnic-dynastic revolts after the death of Cambyses, attempted to apply three approach of cultural identity (Aryan language), political-geographic (central core of Iranian lands) and religious (placing Ahuramazda as the god of the Aryans) to Establish solidarity between the Iranian peoples and strengthen their link with the Achaemenid empire as the Iranian kingdom. These approaches, in historical, political, geographical, religious, and cultural dimensions, gave the continuation and dynamism to Iranian's identity and brought to create the concept of Iran in the political sense of the Sassanid era.

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The Role of "Geography" in the Identity of the Sassanid Era

Mohsen Lotfabadi

Volume 21, Issue 83 , October 2020, , Pages 3-24

Abstract

  Among myriads of factors in shaping Iranian identity, they regarded geography as an influential element in differentiating Iranians from other regions of the world. The Sassanid Politico-religious ...  Read More Among myriads of factors in shaping Iranian identity, they regarded geography as an influential element in differentiating Iranians from other regions of the world. The Sassanid Politico-religious regime focused on geography and geographical identity and used it to their benefits since they had realized its role in uniting people and establishing the political system. In this regard, the name of "Iran" gained a conceptual and regional status and was reflected in the texts of the period. The Sassanid named their colonized regions "Iranshahr" and almost successfully tried to spread and confirm the concept in the society as well. In line with accomplishing such goal, they paid much attention to border affairs too. The increasing importance of the margrave position is a direct result of the same perspective. This article examines the geographical identity of the Sassanid era.

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Evaluation of Iranian-Islamic Components in the Intellectual System of the Supreme Leader

asgar akbari

Volume 21, Issue 83 , October 2020, , Pages 45-64

Abstract

  Identity is the esteem and credibility of a nation. Identity, formed from a set of Material and spiritual Belongings, and it plays a constructive role in social, economic, religious, ...  Read More Identity is the esteem and credibility of a nation. Identity, formed from a set of Material and spiritual Belongings, and it plays a constructive role in social, economic, religious, national, and. different currents. National identity in the Islamic Republic is created from the element of Iranian and Islamic identity to preserve national interests, independence, freedom, social justice, power, and national security. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the components of Iranian-Islamic identity in the Intellectual system of the Supreme Leader in defending National beliefs and values against cultural aggression. In the present study, the method document analysis (content analysis) have used, which is a qualitative research method. The statistical population of the study all the statements of the Supreme Leader around Iranian identity and Islamic identity since, His Holiness's rule over the Islamic society. The results showed that in the statements of the Supreme Leader, the strategic index of Iranian identity with a frequency of 988 (57.9%), the aim index of Persian language and literature with 419 (42.4%) had the highest, and the cultural heritage with 99 (10%) the lowest frequency. The strategic index of Islamic identity with a Frequency of 719 (42.1%), the aim index of behavioral identity with 252 (35%) had the highest, and the belief identity with 91 (12.7) the lowest frequency.

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Wicked Masses on the Persian Language; Erosion of Iranian Identity

Ali Karimi; Reza Garshasbi

Volume 21, Issue 81 , March 2020, , Pages 3-26

Abstract

  The Persian language is a key element of Iranian Identity. This language faced with changing phenomena during times. The main goal of this article is to recognize and examine some lingual ...  Read More The Persian language is a key element of Iranian Identity. This language faced with changing phenomena during times. The main goal of this article is to recognize and examine some lingual phenomena appeared in this language which threaten its existence and identity. Unbridled entrance of foreign language concepts in the Persian language system and incorrect writing entitled as wicked masses. The present article by applying descriptive-analytical method and inspired by two theoretical frameworks named "wicked problems" and the "identity-making function of languages", aimed at the main question: why are these masses can be called wicked? The main hypothesis is wicked problems are persistent, have no clear solutions, they have unsatisfactory consequences, so rethinking about the traditional solutions is inevitable. These wicked masses run by multivariate causes, and as complicated phenomena play a destructive role for key component of Iranian identity; Persian language, so it necessitates perceptional changes and structural reconfiguration.

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Representation of Iranian National Identity Among Kermanshah’s Kurdish Intellectuals

Naser Pourhassan; Rohollah Bagherabadi

Volume 20, Issue 79 , October 2019, , Pages 93-114

Abstract

  Due to ethnic diversity in Iran and the growth of ethnic nationalist movements, the issue of national identity, which reinforces national solidarity and social consistency, is worth ...  Read More Due to ethnic diversity in Iran and the growth of ethnic nationalist movements, the issue of national identity, which reinforces national solidarity and social consistency, is worth paying attention to. The present research addresses the question of how Kermanshah as the most populous city with Kurdish ethnic identity, among the Kurdish cities of Iran, has not witnessed the formation of a nationalist ethnic movement? The theoretical framework used is Anthony de Smith’s historical ethnic symbolization that believes in the elite’s role in reinterpretation and redefining national identity symbols in the form of long-term historical analysis. The method used in this research is descriptive-analytic and the library method has been used to collect information. The finding of the research indicate that elites of Kermanshah by symbolizing elements of national identity, have rebuilt national identity in Kermanshah and it is one of the reasons for not forming ethnic movements in Kermanshah.

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Iranian Identity at Literary-Historical Works during the Ilkhanid Era

Reza Zarrinkamar; Morteza Mohseni

Volume 19, Issue 75 , October 2018, , Pages 3-22

Abstract

  The Mongol conquest of Iran is amongst the darkest times (events) of this country. This invasion was seriously threatening to Iranian identity. So far that some of its major characteristics ...  Read More The Mongol conquest of Iran is amongst the darkest times (events) of this country. This invasion was seriously threatening to Iranian identity. So far that some of its major characteristics were damaged and some entirely disappeared. Following this threat, Iranian identity practiced to revival itself and survive through the pressure and threats of the Ilkhanid dynasty. A part of this effort was made by the writers of literary–historical works during the era. Ilkhanid literary-historical works not only are firsthand sources of historical information and contain significant literary value but were able to play an important role in the reconstruction of Iranian identity as Ilkhanid after a while reconstructed Iranian  identity and tried to compensate the demolish of the past. In this research the destructive impact of Mongol invasion was studied based on four factors including: civilization works, kingdom, Islam and Persian language and literature. Then the positive impression of these factors on Iranian identity was investigated, results of this research show that these text were more effective on restoring Iranian identity among the other influential factors.

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Iranian Identity in the poctic Works of the Seljuk Era

Saleh Pargari; Hossein Mohammadi; Mohsen Jafari

Volume 19, Issue 76 , January 2018, , Pages 21-36

Abstract

  One of the most important resources of Iranian identity is the Persian literature. In this study, the Iranian identity was examined in poems of six prominent poets of the Great Seljuk ...  Read More One of the most important resources of Iranian identity is the Persian literature. In this study, the Iranian identity was examined in poems of six prominent poets of the Great Seljuk court including Adib Saber Tarmezi, AzraqiHeravi, Anvari, Amir-Ma'azi, Abdul WassaJabali and LamiehGorganiby emphasizing on three categories: 1) application of the terms Iran and Ajam; 2) mythological characters of ancient Iran; 3) Iranian celebrations by Content Analysis method. As the results showed, the term "Iran" was used sixty-seven times and "Ajam" was used ninety times in poems. Thirty-seven mythological characters of ancient Iran were mentioned in these poems. Ten important characters were mentioned 515 times in poems, which indicates the extensive use of Iranian mythology in poems of Seljuk poets. The result also showed that Nowrouz and Mehregan were widely held in the Seljuk court and Seljuk kings encouraged occasional ballades. It was also found that IranianVazirs (ministers) and Diavanids (bureaucrats) supported these poems and greatly contributed to supporting Iranian identity in Seljuks court.

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Collective Memory and Iranian Identity

Mohmmadmahdi Farzbod; Ahmad Rezaii; Heidar Janalizadeh Choobbasti

Volume 19, Issue 73 , April 2017, , Pages 3-20

Abstract

  The main purposeof this paper is to present an analytical model of the process of constructing the meaning of national identity for Iranians. The leading assumption in this article ...  Read More The main purposeof this paper is to present an analytical model of the process of constructing the meaning of national identity for Iranians. The leading assumption in this article is that collective memory forms the source of meaning for national identity, which creates the necessary coherence for continuity over time through the structure of collective narratives. Therefore, the social force that links an Iranian individual to the Iranian nation is the collective memory that shapes Iranian identity in the form of collective narratives. In order to construct a theoretical model of research, the combination of Halbwachs's theory of collective memory, Ricoeur's theory of narrative identity and Ashraf's theory of Iranian identity were used. Applying the model, in addition to understanding the social reality of the development of Iranian identity, a new interpretation of the latest empirical findings on the sense of national identity among Iranians was achieved. The results of this research showed that today in society, the meaning and common understanding of being Iranian, in other words, the Iranian identity, has a template of historical narrative. In this narration, symbols, myths and collective memories as the symbolic heritage of the identities of various ethnic groups are reconfigured in the Iranian modern national identity.

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Components of Islamic and Iranian identity in his thoughts Ayatollah khamenei

Ali Morshedizad; Kavous Ahmadlu

Volume 18, Issue 70 , July 2016, , Pages 63-76

Abstract

  Identity is a mechanism which manifests more in from of awareness and creates a kind of integrity and alliance in a society. National identity consists of a complex of positive tendencies ...  Read More Identity is a mechanism which manifests more in from of awareness and creates a kind of integrity and alliance in a society. National identity consists of a complex of positive tendencies towards identifying and integrating elements and patterns in a country, as one political unit. The purpose of this research was to show factors of Iranian and Islamic identity factors in Ayatollah Khamenei’s ideology, to investigate the relation between these factors in his point of view and to investigate the impact of these factors on the integrity of ethnic groups, national ability and modern Islamic civilization.The Results show that the Islamic identity of the constituent components in his ideas include a belief, Islamic values, Islamic feasts and ceremonies and rituals of Islamic and Iranian identity elements include the Persian language, country, date, celebration, cover and Iranian architecture. Beyond that, these components are combined together and mix and match and he considers all these factors influential in creating integrity and unity between ethnic groups, national ability and developing a modern Islamic civilization.

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The Idea of Iranshahr in the Historiography and Governance of Nadir-shah Afshar’s Era

Hosein Seyfodini

Volume 18, Issue 69 , April 2016, , Pages 3-22

Abstract

  Perhaps the most important feature of the Iranian culture is its continuation throughout different historical periods. There have existed numerous different civilizations from the past ...  Read More Perhaps the most important feature of the Iranian culture is its continuation throughout different historical periods. There have existed numerous different civilizations from the past to the present but a few of them have been able to continue their existence from thousands of years ago to today. With all its importance and grandeur, the Greek civilization was limited to a very short period in the ancient world and became part of other empires. The Iranian civilization has somehow been able to continue its existence, however. While the civilization has been changed in different times, it has maintained its core principles. One of the reasons for the historical continuation was the bureaucratic and statehood tradition which was transferred from one generation to another. This tradition is an important part of the idea of Iranshahr.  This study investigates the how of the continuation of the idea of Iranshahr during the Nadir Afshar’s government by focusing on the court historiography. The assumption of the study is that those works were the reflection of the king’s and the mainstream elites’ will. Also, this study premises on the continuation of the idea of Iranshahr. The research method is descriptive-analytical, and the required data are collected from primary sources. This study seeks to answer this question that how the idea of Iranshahr was presented in the Naderi era. The analysis suggests that while the idea was pronounced in theory, it did not have a strong presence in the arena of statehood and bureaucracy.

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Developing and Validation of Implicit Association Test for Measurement of Identity

Mahdi Nazemi; Abbas Zabihzadeh; AmirJalal Hatami

Volume 18, Issue 69 , April 2016, , Pages 23-40

Abstract

  Iranian society in the twentieth century is a live image of three identities namely Islamic, Persian and Modern. The purpose of this study is developing and validation of Implicit Association ...  Read More Iranian society in the twentieth century is a live image of three identities namely Islamic, Persian and Modern. The purpose of this study is developing and validation of Implicit Association test (IAT) for measurement of Islamic, Iranian and Modern identities. The main question of this research is whether the developed task has a suitable reliability and validity for evaluating Islamic, Iranian and Modern identities? The research design of this study is ex-post facto and statistical population consists of all 19 to 30 year old students in Universities of Tehran. In the first step of this study for validation of IAT, 100 students of Shahid Beheshti University were selected and to the next step 80 students from Tehran Universities completed IAT, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and Islamic, Iranian and Modern questionnaires.  Results show high validity of IAT and high reliability of participants’ answers to this test.

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Iranian Identity and Cinema; Representation of Iranian Identity in the Movie "Mother"

Seyed Reza Hashemi Zadeh; Ali Delavar; Afsaneh Mozaffari

Volume 18, Issue 69 , April 2016, , Pages 85-102

Abstract

  Identity is one of the important concepts in the field of Social and Cultural Studies. National identity is a form of identity and sense of belonging to a larger land deals within certain ...  Read More Identity is one of the important concepts in the field of Social and Cultural Studies. National identity is a form of identity and sense of belonging to a larger land deals within certain limits. Today, the issue of preservation of national identity (and Iranian identity) has become one of the most important issues in the field of human sciences. Cinema is a high impact medium and a suitable tool in representation of national identity in a society. The current study seeks to identify and explore components of national identity (Iranian identity) represented by Ali Hatami in the movie “Mother”.   The movie “Mother” has been selected as a case study. Semiology analysis method was used to analyze the movie. The results of this study show that the movie “Mother” represents political, social, historical, linguistic and national identity themes and indicators through social, technical and ideological codes. Three main semiology codes styles analyzed in this movie include: mother suggests homeland, return to Iranian classical literature originality and togetherness and collective life.

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Represention of National Identity in Primary School Farsi Textbooks

Alireza Azghandi; Gholamreza Mohammadi Mehr

Volume 17, Issue 65 , April 2015, , Pages 39-52

Abstract

  In this article, the components of Iranian identity have been examined in the Primary school Farsi textbooks in the educational year 2014-2015. The aim of research was to extract the ...  Read More In this article, the components of Iranian identity have been examined in the Primary school Farsi textbooks in the educational year 2014-2015. The aim of research was to extract the amount of dealing with national, religious (Islamic), sectarian (Shiite) and ethnic identities in these textbooks. The research method is content analysis; the sample size is 246 text items and 518 images in the Farsi textbooks of first to sixth levels in elementary school. The results indicate that identity components are observed in 61 percent of text items and 52.1 percent of images. In 51.4 percent of this amount, the components of national identity and in 43.3 percent, the components of religious (Islamic) identity have been highlighted. Also 50.7 percent of images were related to religious identity (particularly Islamic dress) and 34.8 percent to national identity. Although the levels of macro and micro identities have been considered, but ethnic identity is rarely dealt with and almost neglected.

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The Representation of Iranian Identity in Shamlu’s Historiography Thought

Mohammad Hasan Raznahan; Mohammad Ali Judaki

Volume 17, Issue 68 , January 2015, , Pages 59-78

Abstract

  The purpose of this article is to examine the representation of the notions of Iranian identity in ValiGholi Shamlu’s thought in the book of Ghesas al Khaghani. The field of historiography ...  Read More The purpose of this article is to examine the representation of the notions of Iranian identity in ValiGholi Shamlu’s thought in the book of Ghesas al Khaghani. The field of historiography is a proper context for Iranian to recognize their identity in different periods. Shamlu is the narrator of consolidation period of Iranian identity in the second half of the Safavids. The central question this article seeks to answer is how Iranian identity notions of Shamlu’s historiography thought represented? For this purpose, by using descriptive and analytical method, based on text analysis of Ghesas al Khaghani, identity elements which affected Shamlu’s mind in event report are evaluated. In the narrative of historical events of his time, influenced by the cultural context and the dominant discourse of writing his book; Shamlu represents and provides a meaningful narration of his historical report. The effective presence of cultural identity elements in the official text of Ghesas al Khaghani shows the dynamic aspects of Iranian culture.

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Revival and Rebirth of the Iranian Identity: A Comparative Study of the Sassanid and Safavid Iran

Hosein Seyfodini

Volume 16, Issue 63 , October 2014, , Pages 3-26

Abstract

  National identity is a modern concept. It has evolved within the context of modernity and the essence of the new world. Newly established states have found their essential to rely on ...  Read More National identity is a modern concept. It has evolved within the context of modernity and the essence of the new world. Newly established states have found their essential to rely on tradition and historical heritage in order to consolidate their existence and legitimacy. However, in some nations, such a national awareness is not just an outcome of modernity but it is deeply rooted in their history. In other words, the awareness of identity and nationality has been a prerequisite to the formation of "nationalist" movements that urged for "nation building". To study the national identity in Iran, it is very important to outline what has been accomplished in Iran under Sassanids and Safavids to craft a state. This study, through outlining manifestations of Iranian national identity in the history of Iran, aims at showing how the Iranian national identity was formed, evolved and endured in pre-modern times and reached as a heritage the contemporary times.

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Optimal Identity in the Context of Indigenous Progress Pattern (With the Approach to Constitution on of the Islamic Republic of Iran)

Meisam Belbasi; Shahram Esfandiyar

Volume 14, Issue 56 , January 2014, , Pages 95-119

Abstract

  Many scientific inquiries have been done on progress patterns, but one of the neglected areas in the field is about identity relationship with the Islamic-Iranian progress pattern. ...  Read More Many scientific inquiries have been done on progress patterns, but one of the neglected areas in the field is about identity relationship with the Islamic-Iranian progress pattern. Hence, it is necessary to express an identity pattern compatible with the spirit of Iranian society underlying the formation of national identity and cohesion. In this respect, the main question is what are the indicators and dimensions of the identity pattern compatible with the indigenous progress pattern mentioned in Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran (CIRI). Research results show that the optimal identity pattern in the constitution is a combination of three aspects. The first is Islamic identity with components such as: Rules and principles of Islam (that is, Quran and Sunnah); Development and strengthening of Islamic brotherhood and public cooperation between the people (via state); Islam and Shiism; Believing the Guardianship of the Jurist; and paying attention to the Islamic nation. The second is Iranian identity with components such as: Fusion of Islam and Iran; the common language; the common handwriting; Acceptance of local cultures; the flag; shared land and history; Acceptance of the solar date; and paying attention to national-cultural heritage and intellectual property of the nation. The third is modernist and universal identity with components such as: Using the advanced science and technology and human experience; Training of skilled personnel to achieve development; and Encouraging the spirit of initiative. They all together, can accelerate the Islamic-Iranian progress pattern. Here, we use of the content analysis method to answer the research questions.

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Qajar Rock Reliefs Status in Revival of Iranian National Identity

Abed Taghavi

Volume 15, Issue 60 , January 2014, , Pages 161-180

Abstract

  Rock reliefs has recognized as one of the most important documentary finding in historical and archaeological researches. Necessity of study this archaeological evidence has been further ...  Read More Rock reliefs has recognized as one of the most important documentary finding in historical and archaeological researches. Necessity of study this archaeological evidence has been further due to including of socio-political and cultural significant that it remained as motifs and inscription. This article attempted to answer what are the effective factors in formation of rock reliefs and their consequences? The method of research is comparative studies and historical analysis approach that it emphasized on the Iranian cultural identity. Also, in gathering data have been used documentary sources. The Result of research shows that, Qajar Kings created rock reliefs in Northern, Southern and western regions until they could attain political integration, reign survival and Iranian identity revival. There are similarities between Sasanian and Qajar rock reliefs that it focused on the political authority. Whereas, most important diversity aspect in these motifs have been inattentive to Shah religious legitimations that it has been presented arbitrary without religious powers support.

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Clans, Tribes and Iranian Identity

Sayyed Ataollah Sinaee

Volume 13, Issue 52 , January 2013, , Pages 81-106

Abstract

  Many historical evidences is presented about perception of the Iranian identity among clans and tribes at Gajar era. Clans and tribes of Iran communicate through the system of the oral ...  Read More Many historical evidences is presented about perception of the Iranian identity among clans and tribes at Gajar era. Clans and tribes of Iran communicate through the system of the oral cultural exchange to the various Iranian traditions. Such backgrounds cause these societies to form the most important soldier forces for defense of borders in the absence of army and modern military system. Although, existing interior convergence in the tribes and ethnics societies, variety, differences and distinctions among them, cultural poverty and expanded illiteracy, intense resistance against renovation and actually assimilation policy of Reza Shah Pahlavi, and as a result had been occurred wide tribal tensions, all of these, cause identity analyzers to pay attention to some evidences which confirm this theory that Iranian clans and tribes were social forces against government as well as anti national, which lacks awareness and interests of Iranian identity. Such condition had been caused the relationship among tribes, clans and Iranian identity to be problematic. And we deal with this question: "how was the awareness of tribes and clans at Gajar era toward Iranian identity?" This study tries to find an appropriate answer to this question through historical study of the issue.

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Iranian Identity in Kurdish Poetry (Underlining the Importance of the two Great Contemporary Kurdish Poets "Hazhar and Hemin")

Hasan Rashidi; Shahla Amini

Volume 13, Issue 51 , October 2012, , Pages 113-132

Abstract

  Collective identity is a joint way of thinking, feelings and sentiment of a group. From the modernity viewpoint, on the base of symbolic interactionism, it excites a strange sense of ...  Read More Collective identity is a joint way of thinking, feelings and sentiment of a group. From the modernity viewpoint, on the base of symbolic interactionism, it excites a strange sense of attachment, affinity, and obligation among the group members, and facilitates the process of self exploration of the social actors and reflection of people’s attitude towards them. Iranian identity is a collective identity that has a macro level than the other micro-identities that live in Iran, and enjoys a special greatness and dignity and its elements have formed during a long period of history. This article has considered Iranian identity in Kurdish poetry using documentary method and content analysis, and on the base of historical backgrounds, has considered several dimensions of Iranian Identity, such as “Persian Language, socio- cultural structure, territory, political and religion, and it has designed analysis units for each category.

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The Iranian-Islamic Identity of Tehran Over time

Maryam Sadat Razavipour; Mohammad Mehdi Zakeri; Ehsan Jabbari

Volume 13, Issue 51 , October 2012, , Pages 133-147

Abstract

  Human being according to his inherent nature has always been seeking to distinguish himself from others and be immortal. So, authenticity and identity is one of the cases which in many ...  Read More Human being according to his inherent nature has always been seeking to distinguish himself from others and be immortal. So, authenticity and identity is one of the cases which in many scientific fields related to human being, Such as architecture and urbanism, has been regarded .Because they directly are affected by human toughts and beliefs. Characteristics that arise from the beliefs and imperatives originated from being Iranian and Islamic; are the main identity factors for Tehran city so for understanding the changes in Tehran identity we should know the factors which make the identity. In this article, after examining the meaning of identity from viewpoint of scientists and urban planners; we express the characteristics which makes Tehran Islamic and Iranian. Presence or absence of these features in traditional and contemporary period, would suggest us how is the evolution of Tehran’s Islamic Iranian identity over time. Comparing  the Islamic and Iranian identity factors in two monumental buildings in Tehran, makes the cognition of the identity changes more reachable.

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Content Analysis of Iranian Identity in the Story of Siavash within Ferdowsi’s Shahname

Ali Yousefi; Seyed Mohammad Reza Hashemi; CholamReza Sedigh Ouraie; Zahra Bostan

Volume 13, Issue 49 , April 2012, , Pages 87-109

Abstract

  Identity takes form in the moment that one asks oneself the question "Who am I?" Thus, identity can be construed as a matter of "meaning". In fact, by asking about "identity", people ...  Read More Identity takes form in the moment that one asks oneself the question "Who am I?" Thus, identity can be construed as a matter of "meaning". In fact, by asking about "identity", people seek to understand the meaning of their own "self", the sort of meaning that takes form on the basis of correspondence with similar people and clash with dissimilar ones. "National myths and epics" constitute one of the prominent elements of identity and distinction of the communities. Ferdowsi’ Shahnameh is as the national emblem of Iranian society that contains stories about myths, epics and history of Iranian society which is in turn a narrative of the past, transmitting the bulk of identity elements of Iranian society to date. Iranian identity moans emotional attachment and commitment to the cultural and political heritage and common ethnicity of Iran. This article sets out to seek the meaning of Iranian identity by applying the method of content analysis to the story of Siavash in the Shahnameh. The result revealed that firstly, Iranian identity had gained recognition in contrast to Anyrani (non-Iranian) identity, and secondly, the political legacy, particularly the ideal king, is among the prominent elements of Iranian identity in this story. The essence of the concept of the ideal king encompasses a king enjoying splendor, charisma, wisdom and justice that has been crystallized in Siavash, the prince of Persian. In this story, other cultural elements and common genealogy constitute other subsequent layers of Iranian identity.

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The distortion of Iranian identity of Khuzistan

Asghar Jafari Valdani

Volume 12, Issue 47 , October 2011, , Pages 3-23

Abstract

  Khuzestan was a part of the IRAN from the beginning of history. Historical and geographical documents, affirm this fact since the ancient periods of history until now. Moreover Khuzestan ...  Read More Khuzestan was a part of the IRAN from the beginning of history. Historical and geographical documents, affirm this fact since the ancient periods of history until now. Moreover Khuzestan is the primordial origin of the Iranian civilization and culture. From the middle of the 19th century, so many efforts have been done for parting this part of the land of IRAN, but these efforts haven’t reached any results until now and the main reason was Iranian identity of Khuzestan. Therefore the antagonist powers have concentrated their efforts to distortion of the identity of this part of IRAN. They try to signalize the linguistic and ethnical distinctive lines in Khuzestan in the case of cultural proceedings and sometimes political proceedings. Also they try to prepare the situations for the proceedings which are out of Iranian identity in the name of historiography or consciousness. Hence they have started to think about "culture making", "history making" and "nation-making".

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Iranian Identity and Local Historiography (The Beginning of Islam until the Seventh Century A.H)

Reza Dehqani

Volume 12, Issue 48 , January 2011, , Pages 115-140

Abstract

  Identity is one of the most complex concepts of Social Sciences. Putting forthdiscussions on origins, ways of development and continuity of macro collective identities like National ...  Read More Identity is one of the most complex concepts of Social Sciences. Putting forthdiscussions on origins, ways of development and continuity of macro collective identities like National and Historical ones,has added to its complexity. Thus, it is advisible to have a special look at historical data in all its branches including local historiography while analysing and surveying new approaches to the issue of Identity. Being inspired by elements of Iranian Identity and to maintain their regional legacies,local historiographers during the first centuries of Islam have appealed to creating works in the field of local histories many of which enjoy native and local features and are directly linked to Iran's history. In a morphological look at them,they can be divided into Casts',Graves' and Tribes' local histories. Through paying attention to historical aspects of Identity, this paper aims areviewing the issue of Iranian Identity and historiography on the basis of written local histories from the very begining of Islam up to the 14th century. While evaluating identity features in them,we can search for the process of Iran's territorial,political and cultural continuity from one side and determine the role and place of local historiography as a crucial branch of Iranian-Islamic historiography from the other.

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Calligraphy Reformation and its Relation with Iranian Identity during Timori Era

Fereidon Allahyari; Vahid Abedinpoor

Volume 11, Issue 43 , October 2010, , Pages 159-184

Abstract

  Different artistic fields and disciplines including painting, architecture, gild, binding, woodcarving, book polishing, has a significant improvement during Timorian authority (771-912 ...  Read More Different artistic fields and disciplines including painting, architecture, gild, binding, woodcarving, book polishing, has a significant improvement during Timorian authority (771-912 Hejri-ghamari). This period is called art prospering period. One of the art fields is calligraphy which we try to study using descriptive and analytic method based on remaining documents and resources from Timorian period and current resources. The calligraphy art was also reformed by support and interest of Timorian princess’s, investment of rich society, using experiences of art and science centers of Ilkhani period, necessity of learning that became a culture in Timorian society, the different political, cultural and social functions of calligraphers and different usages of calligraphy were reformed methodologically. But the important achievement of this art in 9th Hejri-ghamari century was its binding with Iranian identity and its coordinates. Extension of poetry in Persian during 7th to 9th centuries was one of the issues that made Iranian in demand of special autography for themselves and independency of Arabic autography. Invention and completion of Taligh autography, Shekasteh-taligh and specially Nastaliqe during 8th and 9th Hejri-ghamari centories and its binding to Iranian and Islamic cultural parameters including poetry, language and literature, Shiite religion (which is known as one of the Iran identity parameters from 10th century) and different artistic disciplines that had Iranian approach, made calligraphy and autography one of the main parameters of Iranian identity and had contributed significantly to its prosper. The objectives of this research are to study this art and the reasons of reformation, studying the relationship of this art with Iranian identity and applications and the position of calligraphers in political and social system of Timorian era.

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