The Role of Archaeology in Amplifying the Cultural and National Identity of Iranians

Cultural, historical, and National identity are amongst the most significant factors of national identity that make societies and nations different from each other. Archaeology as one of the branches of anthropology can have an important role in amplifying national identity of the modern societies. Moreover, one of the most important subjects related to all factors of national identity from different sides is relics of a distinct nation with a special language, history and geography that represent the amount of talent and effort of the past generation and also reveal the long history of tendency toward socialization and national identity. Accordingly, archaeology with its social, cultural, political, and historical aspects is related with national identity. Having an old record of history, civilization, and culture, Iran as an ancient country, can enjoy its benefits in the development of national identity with the help of archeology. This paper was aimed at proving the fact that archaeology could amplify the political unity, national solidarity, and self-esteem as well as expanding the tourism to develop the economy of the country in several ways and thereby help increase the national identity in Iran.