Evolution of the Concept of ‘Nation’ in the Contemporary History of Iran from Archaic “Nationalism” to Islamic “Nationalism”

In the history and contemporary thought of Iran, the concept of ‘nation’ is taken to be one of the most important concepts which, from the beginning of Qajar dynasty until the Persian Tobacco Protest (Movement), was used in general literature to mean religion or faith. With the formation of the social movements of the Iranian people, the word ‘nation’ has gained a new meaning; that is, it has been taken to mean a population that is of an independent identity. This concept was so objectified in history that it became one of the key words in the thoughts of the leaders of the Islamic Revolution during the Islamic Revolution. The research question revolves around “the development of the concept of ‘nation’ and its actual realization in the contemporary history of Iran.” The findings of the research show that, following the great historical experiences that shaped the social movements and resulted in Islamic awakening, the new concept of ‘nation’ in contemporary Iran came to be believed and be made possible. These experiences, which were formed under the Islamic Community or the Nation of Islam (in the sense of religion and faith), turned the Iranian people into a "nation" in a new sense.