Iran's Societal Assessment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Iran's Societal Assessment - Essay Example Iran was a conglomerate of sundry semi-autonomous regions, tribes and classes which were weakly maintained together by the dynasty who depended upon tribal allegiances as well as military power to continue and uphold their rule. In the 20th century, collective denominators have been arranged and supported by the state in an endeavor at creating a modern national Iranian identity for all inhabitants, notwithstanding language, religion or culture. This was to be founded on a secular nation-state, a centralized national government governing over a well-designed territory, pride and honor in Iran’s pre-historic history, its culture and Farsi (Persian) enacted by the state as the official language are some of the unifying tools that the state of Iran is using to control its masses and which this paper will cover. Iran has predominantly used Islam as an instrument to create, foster and maintain national cohesion. More specifically, the Islam religion has been sanctified by the state and enshrined in the constitution. This has been safeguarded and any criticism is suppressed (Hiro, 2001, pg. 243). Islam has provided an extremely ‘inclusive’ identity which has overflowed its national boundaries into the broad concept of the ummat, the community of Islam beyond Iran, a sort of religio-imperialism which has united Iranians. A common culture, rather than any strong feeling of national unity binds the Iranians together. It is the culture that lends unity and the apex of its expression is found in poetry. The architectural beauty and fame of the blue-domed mosques, the workmanship, design and color of Persian carpets- all these are considered important expressions of a common and glorious heritage and have cemented the unity of Iran as it gives them a sense of common history. In light of this, the state has recognized the importance of culture to its citizenry and consequently promoted it to encourage national cohesion and