Imam Khomeini and National Identity in Iran

Identity is one of the psychological features of human beings which is developed through the interaction of a "self" wich "others". The development of a collective identity also takes place in the relationship of a set of "selves" with other "selves". This set of other "Selves" could be that of a group, an assembly, a nation or an ehtnic people. According to the writer, national identity in the third world is a consequence of the establishment of nation - states as well as of the growth of nationalism which has represented the third world’s "selves" against the other set of western "selves". Taking into account different existing views towards the issue of national identity in Iran, the writer describes the attitudes of Imam Khomeini considering the nation and national identity and compares it with other existing points of views towards the national identity in Iran.