Crises of Iranian National Identity in the Context of Historical Processes: Causes and Solutions

Abstract

Today’s Iranian national and cultural identity is the result of a complex multi-stage process. The article demonstrates how the changes that took place in different periods of history, in combination with the basic values of local cultures, formed harmonious forms of a single identity. In history, efforts have been made to modernize the cultural and historical heritage in order to resist national crisis processes and overcome the crisis of national identity. As mentioned above in the article, one of the most important issues in the study of the national identity of the Iranian people is the consideration of its crises, decline and rise in historical periods. A historical review of Iran shows that this country has experienced various changes in its history that have played an important role in the development of its national identity. To overcome or prevent the emergence of a crisis of national identity, it is necessary to identify and strengthen the components of the continuity of national identity. The deepening and development of historical consciousness and the strengthening of national identity in an era of rapid globalization is an urgent task for any society. One of the aspects of the acuteness of the problem of Iranian identity tension is related to the fact that Iran, like all regions of the world, is experiencing the processes of globalization and the influence of Westernization. The spread of science and the strengthening of intercultural contacts have strengthened the «concept» of uniqueness in the national consciousness of the modern Iranian people. At this stage, considering how Iran has overcome tensions and crises of its identity throughout history, the goal was to find certain answers and understanding to resolve the crisis of globalization today.