نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
عنوان مقاله English
نویسندگان English
Given its content and widespread popularity, the *Shahnameh* stands as a seminal literary work and is recognized as a national-cultural emblem of Iran. Throughout various eras, both grassroots and state-led efforts—driven by patriotism and nationalist sentiments—have been undertaken to promote the epic. At times, ruling powers pursued additional objectives alongside the primary goal of promoting the *Shahnameh*. These objectives were largely aligned with the interests of the state; often subtle in nature, they could only be discerned through careful analysis and reflection. The Pahlavi era offers a prime example of the *Shahnameh* being promoted with such multifaceted aims.During this period, we witness numerous and varied efforts to popularize the *Shahnameh*, aligning with the primary objective of promoting the work within society. At the same time, based on available documentation, it is evident that the Pahlavi government’s ambitions extended beyond merely popularizing the *Shahnameh* among the public; through the implementation of a long-term program, it sought to achieve certain secondary goals. Regardless of these other objectives or intended benefits, the efforts to popularize the *Shahnameh* left an enduring legacy, and the public—much like in other historical eras—embraced Ferdowsi’s timeless masterpiece.
These efforts proved enduring and left a lasting impression on the general public and the literary community. However, one cannot be as optimistic regarding the secondary objectives; these initiatives met with public favor only in certain spheres and failed to yield the results anticipated by the ruling establishment. This was because the secondary objectives prioritized the interests of the state, and only a segment of the population held the reigning monarch in high regard—meaning such policies resonated primarily with that specific group.
In this article, employing a library-based research method and drawing upon extant documents, we analyze the Pahlavi-era state initiatives aimed at promoting the *Shahnameh* to achieve objectives.
کلیدواژهها English
