Critical discourse analysis of Shiite in the paintings on tiles of Moaven al-Molk Tekyeh: based on Norman Fairclough's opinions

Using the critical discourse analysis approach, the present research analyzes the most important theme of Shiite art, the narrative of Ashura and its related events, in paintings on tiles of Moaven al-Molk Tekyeh that date back to the Qajar period. This analytical approach investigates the visual language of the paintings on tiles as a social action related to the historical, political, social, and ideological factors of the two Shiite and monarchy discourses. Factors that are reproduced with special Shiite elements in the tile paintings of Moaven al-Molk Tekyeh. Shiite elements are a combination of beliefs, myths, and historical events of the Shias. The use of these Shiite elements has been effective in legitimizing the government of the rulers of the time. The research has aimed to analyze the discourses related to the reflection of Shiite thought in the paintings on tiles of Moaven al-Molk Tekyeh and to identify the elements and the function of the Shia discourse in the paintings on tiles considering the political and social developments of society in the Qajar era. The questions of the research have been what discourses led to the reflection of Shia thought in the paintings on tiles of Moaven al-Molk Tekyeh? and under the influence of what factors has this Shiite discourse in paintings on tiles taken place? The research method has been critical discourse analysis which is a qualitative research method. Additionally, Fairclough's views have been used as the theoretical basis of the research. Data were collected using library research and field study. The paintings on tiles were analyzed based on Fairclough's three-level critical analysis. The research community consists of 12 tile paintings related to Zeinabie of Moaven al-Molk Tekyeh, of which 3 tile paintings were selected in a purposeful way to analyze the most information related to the research questions. The results of the research indicate that based on the analysis of the critical discourse, the discourse of Shia is opposed to the discourse of monarchy in these tile paintings. The Shia discourse used Shia traditions to show this conflict in the existing conditions of the society. Shiite traditions were combined with Arab Shiite thought and Iranian identity. Shiite elements were reproduced in the form of behaviors and models of Shiite heroes. The artist expressed the political, social, and cultural issues of the Qajar period with an anti-colonial discourse. Shia critical discourse using the theme in the tiles showed the interaction and confrontation of Shia characters along with the negative consequences. In the framework of the Shia discourse, some social norms were reversed. The Shiite discourse in the structure and texture of Kashi paintings created its own story by choosing specific Shiite events. This choice of Shiite discourse was due to the presence of anti-royalty and critical discourse in the Qajar era and was reflected in the tile paintings.