Transformations of Iran’s National Identity in the Islamic Era (Since the Advent of Islam to Iran until the Safavid Dynasty)

• Published in: Sipihr-i siyāsat Vol. 8; no. 30; pp. 25 - 42
• Main Author: Majid Abbaszadeh Marzbali
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Persian
• Published: Qom Islamic Azad University 01.12.2021
• Subjects: historical identity; iranians; iran’s national identity; islam; islamic era
• ISSN: 2538-5674
• DOI: 10.22034/sej.2021.1928461.1325

The purpose of the present study is to review transformations of Iran’s national identity since the advent of Islam to Iran until the Safavid dynasty. The method of study is descriptive-analytic and the results showed that as the Iranians gradually accepted Islam, a new movement through organizing the new collective and national identity in different aspects began based on their former heritage combined with Islamic principles. After the advent of Islam to Iran, Persian government was replaced with Islamic state and the religion of Islam replaced Zoroastrianism within 3 centuries. Iran-shar or the kingdom realm collapsed and Iran was deprived of political and national unity for almost 9 centuries. However, from intellectual and cultural aspects, Iran’s national identity was sustained through other identity elements and so Iran survived as a concept and Iranians, due to their nationality, language, common historical memories, and special customs, were still distinguished from Arabs. After some centuries of political disunity in Iran, the Safavids could bring back integration to Iran and revive and consolidate its national identity.