具体描述
Mohamad Tavakoli Targhi offers a corrective to works on Orientalism that focus solely on European scholarly productions without exploring the significance of native scholars and vernacular scholarship to the making of Oriental studies. He brings to light a wealth of 18th- and 19th-century Indo-Persian texts, made "homeless" by subsequent nationalist histories and shows how they relate to Indo-Iranian modernity. In doing so, he argues for a radical re-writing of Iranian history with profound implications for Islamic debates on gender.
Refashioning Iran: A Journey Through Transformation "Refashioning Iran" is not a history book, nor is it a political manifesto. It is a tapestry woven from the threads of human experience, exploring the profound and multifaceted transformations that have shaped Iran, not just as a nation, but as a collective consciousness. This book delves into the very essence of what it means to be Iranian in the face of relentless change, examining the intricate dance between tradition and modernity, the whispers of the past that echo in the present, and the unwritten narratives that point towards an uncertain but hopeful future. The title itself, "Refashioning Iran," hints at a process of continuous redefinition, a shedding of old skins and the adoption of new forms. It’s about the persistent human drive to adapt, to rebuild, and to find new expressions of identity when the foundations upon which they stood have been irrevocably altered. This is not a story of revolution in the conventional sense, of armies clashing and regimes falling, though such seismic events are undeniably part of the backdrop. Instead, it is a more intimate exploration of how these grand narratives filter down to the everyday lives of individuals, how they reshape aspirations, challenge deeply held beliefs, and ultimately, how they forge a new understanding of what it means to belong. Imagine stepping into the bustling bazaars of Isfahan, where centuries-old craftsmanship meets the latest smartphone technology. Picture the quiet contemplation of a scholar poring over ancient Persian poetry, juxtaposed with the vibrant discussions of young artists experimenting with digital media. These are the micro-level transformations that "Refashioning Iran" seeks to capture. It moves beyond the headlines and the geopolitical analyses to illuminate the subtle yet powerful shifts in social structures, cultural norms, and individual mindsets. The book is structured not by chronological timelines or thematic chapters in a rigid sense, but rather by exploring interwoven currents of change. One such current is the enduring strength of heritage. Despite the pressures of globalization and political upheaval, the rich legacy of Persian civilization continues to exert a powerful influence. "Refashioning Iran" investigates how this heritage is not a static relic, but a living, breathing entity that is constantly reinterpreted and re-contextualized by successive generations. It examines how ancient poetic forms find new expression in contemporary music, how traditional art techniques are adapted by modern designers, and how the philosophy of figures like Rumi or Hafez continues to resonate with a generation seeking meaning in a complex world. However, this is not a romanticized portrayal of an unchanging past. The book is equally concerned with the forces of modernity and the ways in which they have irrevocably altered the Iranian landscape. It explores the impact of technological advancements, from the internet and social media to advancements in science and engineering, and how these have opened new avenues for communication, knowledge sharing, and social interaction. It looks at the changing role of education, the increasing access to information, and the desire for progress that fuels many of Iran's contemporary aspirations. This engagement with modernity is not always seamless; it often involves a tension, a negotiation between the familiar and the new, which is at the heart of the "refashioning" process. Furthermore, "Refashioning Iran" delves into the complex interplay of faith and secularism. In a society where religious observance remains significant for many, the book explores how individuals navigate their spiritual lives in the context of a rapidly evolving world. It looks at how traditional interpretations of faith are challenged and debated, how new forms of religious expression emerge, and how secular perspectives gain prominence. This is not about declaring one force victorious over the other, but about understanding the dynamic dialogue and the often surprising syntheses that arise from this ongoing negotiation. The book also dedicates significant attention to the evolving role of women in Iranian society. This is a crucial dimension of the nation's refashioning, marked by both progress and persistent challenges. "Refashioning Iran" explores the increasing visibility of women in various professional fields, their engagement in social and political discourse, and their assertion of agency in shaping their own lives. It examines the courage and resilience required to navigate societal expectations, to push boundaries, and to contribute to the nation's transformation in ways that are both profound and deeply personal. Beyond the broad strokes of societal change, "Refashioning Iran" also finds its essence in the individual stories that compose the national narrative. It seeks to give voice to those whose experiences might otherwise remain unheard – the poets struggling with censorship, the entrepreneurs seeking to innovate, the activists advocating for change, the families adapting to new economic realities, the artists pushing the boundaries of expression. These are not just anecdotes; they are the living embodiments of the refashioning process, illustrating how abstract forces translate into concrete human experiences. The book is an invitation to observe, to understand, and to empathize. It encourages readers to look beyond simplistic generalizations and to appreciate the intricate nuances of a society in constant flux. It is a reminder that transformation is not a destination, but a continuous journey, characterized by moments of upheaval, periods of quiet adaptation, and the enduring human capacity to reimagine and rebuild. "Refashioning Iran" is ultimately about the resilience of the human spirit. It is about the ability of a people to absorb shocks, to learn from their past, to adapt to their present, and to continue to strive for a better future, even in the face of immense complexities and uncertainties. It is a testament to the fact that a nation’s identity is not a fixed entity, but a constantly evolving creation, shaped by the dreams, the struggles, and the unwavering hope of its people. It is a journey into the heart of a nation that is perpetually remaking itself, always in motion, always reaching for something new.
