نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
عنوان مقاله English
نویسندگان English
The construction and distribution of power within societies and the formation of social systems result from the emergence and manifestation of social and political movements. Understanding society and representing historical events necessitate a comprehensive insight into these phenomena and their social roles. One significant phenomenon influencing contemporary Iranian history is intellectualism, which has captivated
even distant Orientalists. John Foran, a prominent Iranologist, examines the role of intellectuals in Iran's contemporary history. This study investigates how Foran represents the role of intellectuals in Iran's historical events. Employing a descriptive-analytical method, the findings suggest that intellectuals, drawing on Western teachings and secular practices, aimed to restructure Iranian society and transition its religious and national identity towards modernity. They sought to usurp the leadership of Iranian movements—from the Tobacco Protest to the Constitutional Revolution and beyond—from the clergy, who were the people's leaders, thereby redirecting national interests and public rights in favor of colonial powers. In instances like the Constitutional Revolution, they facilitated the movement's deviation towards British interests. However, Foran minimizes the role of the clergy and the populace throughout contemporary history, instead emphasizing intellectuals as the primary architects of historical events. A review of credible historical documents and a comparison with Foran's interpretations reveal inaccuracies in his historiography, particularly concerning the portrayal of intellectuals. His reliance on secular assumptions and disregard for the ideological capacities of society and Iran's indigenous contexts have led to flawed analyses, presenting a sanitized narrative of intellectuals' activism in contemporary history. Ultimately, document analysis indicates that in most movements, the primary leadership was held by scholars and clergy, who endeavored to utilize all available capacities, including those of intellectuals.
کلیدواژهها English
