Description
Contrary to the popular understanding of Iran as a Persian nation, half of the country’s population consists of minorities, among whom there has been significant ethnic mobilization at crucial stages in Iranian history. One such stage is now: suppressed minority demands, identity claims, and debates on diversity have entered public discourse and politics. In 2005-2007, Iran was rocked by the most widespread ethnic unrest experienced in that country since the revolution. The same period was also marked by the re-emergence of nationalism. This interdisciplinary book takes a long-overdue step toward understanding these highly contentious issues.
Table of Contents
Introduction Identifying a People The Minority Issue Diversity and Order A Nation Defended A Nation Re-Envisioned Conclusion
Rasmus Christian Ellin has a PhD from the University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Reviews
“Rasmus Christian Elling’s wonderful book on Iran’s major ethnic minorities is a unique and brilliant analysis of the changing role of these ethnic groups. The book is highly recommended for students and scholars of Iran and of ethnic and nationalist questions, and for all thoughtful Iranians.” – Nikki R. Keddie, Professor Emerita of History, UCLA, USA
“In a challenging and well-researched book, Rasmus Christian Elling brings considerable theoretical sophistication to a subtle and acute analysis of the issue, focusing on four key minorities and their histories, particularly since the 1978-79 revolution. This important book, ground-breaking in Iranian Studies, is a major contribution to the political sociology of ethnicity, nationalism, and minority-state relations.” – Richard Tapper, Emeritus Professor, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, UK
“This excellent book provides an analytically powerful yet subtle study of competing processes and discourses that shape Iranian cultural diversity. This is a highly erudite and well-written work, built on years of meticulous empirical research. Indeed, Elling has written a wonderful book that will set the standard for the future scholarship in this field.” – Siniša Malešević, Senior Lecturer, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
“Rasmus Christian Elling has addressed the thorny issues of minorities, ethnicity, and national identity in post-revolutionary Iran with such dexterity and care that from now on this book will be on the reading list of any serious scholar examining these topics.” – Mehrzad Boroujerdi, Associate Professor of Political Science, Syracuse University, USA
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