Revival and Rebirth of the Iranian Identity: A Comparative Study of the Sassanid and Safavid Iran

National identity is a modern concept. It has evolved within the context of modernity and the essence of the new world. Newly established states have found their essential to rely on tradition and historical heritage in order to consolidate their existence and legitimacy. However, in some nations, such a national awareness is not just an outcome of modernity but it is deeply rooted in their history. In other words, the awareness of identity and nationality has been a prerequisite to the formation of "nationalist" movements that urged for "nation building". To study the national identity in Iran, it is very important to outline what has been accomplished in Iran under Sassanids and Safavids to craft a state. This study, through outlining manifestations of Iranian national identity in the history of Iran, aims at showing how the Iranian national identity was formed, evolved and endured in pre-modern times and reached as a heritage the contemporary times.