THE ROLE OF POLITICAL SYMBOLISM IN CONSTRUCTING A NATIONAL IRANIAN IDENTITY
THE ROLE OF POLITICAL SYMBOLISM IN CONSTRUCTING A NATIONAL IRANIAN IDENTITY

Summary/Abstract: Symbolism is at the heart of the political process and any symbol can potentially become a part of the political field. Applying the “positive symbol” concept I underlines that the Iranian nation is formed through the symbolic forms of ideas and values. Two types of symbols can be identified in the formation of Iranian identity: symbolssignifiers and integrating symbols. The article pays attention to the role of symbols, the role of the so called “guardians” and the role of Corbin’s “imaginal world” in the construction of Iranian identity. The paper shows in its conclusion that the role of political symbolism in constructing a national Iranian identity is significant and acting as a “symbol-strategy,” consisting of symbolic actions.

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