Representation of National Identity in Modern Literature of the Pahlavi Era Based on the

Kenarroudi, Ghorbanali

doi:10.22103/jis.2025.24059.2651

Representation of National Identity in Modern Literature of the Pahlavi Era Based on the "Historical Perspective"

Document Type : Scientific

Author

ghorbanali kenarroudi

Assistant Professor of History Faculty member of organization of National Library & Archive of I.R.of Iran.

10.22103/jis.2025.24059.2651

Abstract

Abstract: Background/Objective: National identity during the Pahlavi era was represented within the framework of nationalist ideologies, patriotism, and the Pahlavi government's modernizing agenda, which included state-building and modernization programs. Many poets and writers reflected and depicted national identity and its components in their literary works. This study aims to provide a comprehensive explanation of the nature of national identity in literary works of this period, focusing on efforts by poets and writers parallel to the official discourse of the Pahlavi court, who sought to rediscover and revive Iranian identity.

Method/Approach: The present study utilizes a descriptive and analytical method based on library research and publications. It adopts a historical perspective to examine the representation of national identity in the modern literature of the Pahlavi era.

Findings/Results: From a historical perspective, national identity during the Pahlavi period was reconstructed under the influence of elements of Iranian identity and through a cycle of modernist nationalism centered on the Shah. Literature, particularly in the form of poetry and novels, became a medium for portraying identity themes such as patriotism, monarchism, and shared Iranian history and language. These works emphasized the Persian language's capacity to convey cultural and civilizational elements while often adopting a negative stance toward the West and Western modernism. The dominant form of representation was ancient-oriented nationalism.

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