The Influences of Western Ideas on Kermani's Political Thought

Abstract

Mirza Aqa Khan Kermani (1853–96) is one of the most significant theorists and intellectuals of the nineteenth century in Iran. Nationalism, secularism, and constitutionalism constitute the main focal points of his political thought. This article will examine the Western influence on Kermani's political ideas. In order to analyse in details his relations with the West, this work will be divided into three distinct parts: the first part will study Kermani's intellectual life, remarking on some relevant aspects of his historical and social context and his main political writings; the second part will take into consideration how Western intellectuals affected his thought; while the third part will draw attention to his position on Western colonial policies.