The first formation of nationalism as a ruling ideology can be attributed to the Pahlavi period. After the Constitutional Revolution, the intellectual movement of nationalism became a powerful political force and evolved into the ideology of the Iranian government with the ascension of the Pahlavi dynasty.
The first Pahlavi period marked the consolidation of the secular nationalism movement, to the extent that this ideology became the official discourse of the monarchy. Many believe that one of the reasons for the Pahlavi monarchy—and Reza Shah himself—to embrace nationalism was to gain political legitimacy. In this regard, Reza Shah’s government turned to nationalist and archaic historiography, promoting secular nationalist ideas and principles alongside modernity.
During the second Pahlavi period, nationalism continued to progress and reached its peak, especially after 1332 AH, with the celebration of the 2500th anniversary in Shiraz. These celebrations presented the Pahlavi dynasty as the successor to ancient Iranian culture and civilization. During this time, historiography centered on nationalism and archaism became a key tool for the government to legitimize itself.
Nationalism in Iran was initially superficially addressed by liberal tendencies during the Constitutional Era; however, it intensified during the Reza Shah era, which began to celebrate Iran’s pre-Islamic civilization. During this period, Islam was viewed through a critical lens, and Islamic values were often disparaged. Nationalists, by glorifying ancient customs and attempting to eliminate Arabic words from the Persian language, replaced “Islamism” with “Iranianism.” These activities were vigorously pursued under the support of Reza Shah’s dictatorship. Rather than confronting Western colonialism and its covert influence over the country, nationalists prioritized fighting against Islam—which they saw as contrary to Iran’s identity. By denouncing Islam and emphasizing the superiority of the Aryan race, they sought to characterize the West as kindred to the Iranians while erasing Islam from Iranian identity.
During Reza Shah’s reign, nationalism became both a state and governing concept. Using the slogan “Pan-Iranism,” he attempted to implement the thesis of separating religion from politics. Acting on the direction of his Western allies, he sought to magnify ancient Iran and the Aryan people to replace Islamic values with imperial nationalism. He also based the legitimacy of his rule on archaism and the revival of pre-Islamic identity.
Nationalism during this period was based on several key axes:
1. Revival of pre-Islamic identity and emulation of the Achaemenian kings.
2. Opposition to Islamic values and the replacement of archaic ideology.
3. Strengthening the centralized state and undermining religious institutions.
4. Purging the Persian language of Arabic vocabulary.
The Most Notable Intellectuals of Nationalism in Iran
One of the most significant thinkers of the nationalist movement in Iran is Mirza Fathali Akhundzada. He was the first to articulate and theorize the elements of Iranian nationalism in his works in a novel political context. Akhundzada, along with Mirza Agha Khan Kermani, criticized Islam and advocated for the separation of religion from politics. They valued the heritage of Iran’s pre-Islamic era and praised Western civilization.
These intellectuals viewed Islam and Sharia law as detrimental to society and called for the replacement of Islamic identity with nationalism. Mirza Agha Khan Kermani, in particular, extolled pre-Islamic Iranian customs and Zoroastrianism and sought to create a romantic narrative around nationalism and Iranian identity. In his writings, he depicted Iran’s borders as fragrant, its soil as more valuable than gold, and its air as unparalleled.
Among the pioneers of this movement were Molkom Khan and his associates. Mirza Agha Khan Kermani played a prominent role, being considered one of the movement’s leaders through his emphasis on reviving Iranian national identity by returning to ancient culture, especially Zoroastrianism. He endeavored to link contemporary Iran with its ancient past through extensive propaganda and promoted nationalism as a means to strengthen Iranian identity.
The early proponents of Iranian intellectual thought and nationalism, including Mirza Agha Khan Kermani, Akhundzadeh, and Mirza Molkom Khan, believed that Iran’s backwardness stemmed from the influence of Arabs and Islam. They saw Westernization as the solution to Iran’s challenges in all respects. This group, termed “Western nationalists” or “modernists,” made significant efforts to advance this viewpoint.
Two contemporary writers, Mirza Fathali Akhundzada and Jalal al-Din Mirza Qajar (1246-1289 AH), are recognized as original representatives of new Iranian nationalism. Although they initially did not know each other, they simultaneously began disseminating nationalist ideas. Over time, a friendship developed between them, allowing their works and thoughts to influence one another significantly. Their ideas also impacted subsequent generations, especially Mirza Agha Khan Kermani (1270-1316 AH), who emerged as a prominent representative of this ideology.
Nationalist Parties in Iran
Nationalism in Iran, like in other countries, has encompassed a variety of spectrums and parties. Some key nationalist parties include:
1. Iran Party: While considered a nationalist party, it did not adhere to a specific ideology and also integrated modernism and socialism into its agenda for the sake of nationalism.
2. Pan-Iranian Party: A nationalist party emphasizing the unity of Iran and the preservation of national identity.
3. National Front of Iran: This front significantly impacted Iranian political history and is regarded as one of the most crucial nationalist political institutions.
4. Iran Nation Party: A party characterized by nationalist tendencies focusing on reviving Iranian identity.
Important Reminder
Today, many Iranians influenced by nationalism consider anti-religion sentiments as one of their primary objectives. These individuals argue that the arrival of Islam and the influence of the Arabic language were solely responsible for the decline of Iran’s glory and authority. They oppose Islam and Arabic while striving to restore Iran’s former status through the revival of nationalism, archaism, and Iranism.
Such tendencies are generally derived from Western and European ideas; intellectuals espousing this ideology have been heavily influenced by Western civilization.
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