پژوهشنامه تمدن ایرانی
سال دوم شماره 1 (پیاپی 3، بهار 1398)

Creating mental image is an important part in arts process. This includes both artistic and functional concepts. In this regard, two questions are proposed: which aspects express creating mental image in architecture, specifically Iranian architecture? What changes have taken place in its related concepts comparing the past? The aim of this study is to explain the aspects which are effective in creating mental image. Hence, the aspects which are distinct in the creation of mental image in architecture rather than other artistic fields are under consideration. To fulfill this aim, relevant words and concepts are focused and the considered features are studied and determined by analyzing and comparing the meanings of the words. Thus, the words ‘Imagination’ and ‘notion’ have been deeply explored based on three wisdoms: hikmat-i al-Mashriqiya, hikmat-i Ishraq, hikmat-i muta‘aliya. Afterwards, ‘mental imagery’ in Persian contemporary literature and cognitive philosophy is analyzed. This word contains the present aspects of creating mental image. The findings suggest that the purpose of creating mental image (based on imagination) had been to separate from materialistic world. Of course, this subject (based on notion) did not mean ignoring the materialistic and functional aspects of architecture. Nevertheless, meaning has priority over material. Regarding mental imagery, we should say that it originates from human mind and the created image has two characteristics, i.e., visual and non-visual, which interrelate with each other and do not necessarily have priority over one another and their root is in materialistic world.

Religious differences in Islamic religion between Shiite and Sunni, especially in Iran, have always attracted the attention of European travelers during the Safavid period, so their itineraries can be an important source of information on the way these differences have been introduced. Since Shi'a was known by the Safavid kings as the official state religion of Iran, the most information provided by these travelers about beliefs was viewed from the Shi'a perspective. The Safavid Empire ruled over Iran and Shi'a was introduced as the official religion and then traveled through other areas in the Islamic World. Thus, the focus of this study is on Shi'a and Sunni Islam in Iran. In this article, which is descriptive-analytical, while discussing the differences between Shi'a and Sunni and the religious politics of the Safavid government, it is attempted to explain the causes of the presence of tourists in Iran in the 17th century and to examine their views on the religious differences between Shi'a and Sunni, and how they deal with these differences. As Protestant Christians in the 17th century were persecuted by Catholics, they identified well with the Shiite minority in the Muslim world. this view is studied first. Then, the view of Catholic travelers who were the majority group in Europe is analyzed. Finally, the result of these two perspectives reflects the political orientations of the then-ruling governments in dealing with religious differences of the Safavid era.

Christianity entered Iran from the first century AD, and gradually a group of Iranian people turned to this religion. With the recognition of Christianity in the Roman Empire, and following the wars between Iran and Rome, Christians of Iran were harassed by the government and the Zoroastrian clergy due to accusations of Romanism. Following the prevalence of Nestorius's thoughts and the opposition of the Roman Church to his thoughts, Iranian Christians came to support Nesturi Christianity and accepted it as the religion of the Iranian Christians, thus separating themselves from the Roman Christians. Nestorian Christianity gradually flourished in Iran and spread to the eastern territories with the support of the Iranians. At the end of the Sassanid period, and at the request of Yazdgerd III, the Chinese court has given refuge to Christianity and recognized Nesturi’s Christianity and allowed them to establish churches in China for religious ceremonies, that known as "Persian Temples". This research seeks to investigate how Christianity is entering Iran, the status of Christian minority in the Sassanian Empire and how it can be transmitted to China, through a descriptive-analytical method and using written and first-hand sources.

Trust is the most important component of social order and generalized trust is essential for social relations and development in today's complex and modern societies. But researches represent that in Iran, the level of generalized trust is low and also decreasing. This research, using a descriptive-analytical method, attempts to answer the causes of the lack of formation and expansion of generalized trust in Iran society and its reduction factors. The results of research show that factors such as despotism for a long time, modernization without regard to native culture, authoritarian structure of the government and unsuccessful attempts to reform the political structure have been the most important historical obstacles; Inappropriate cultural structure, hypocrisy, subject political culture and change in values have been the most important cultural obstacles and finally, neglect of the software and social component of development, inefficiency of the governance system, varied demographic composition and Intense ethnic competitions, extensive inequalities and corruption in the body of government have been the most important social obstacles.

The Basseri are a Persian-speaking tribe in Fars province, having played an influential role in political affair of late Qajar period. One of their roles was a raid of Khur and Biabanak in 1336 A.H. by some of the members of this tribe. This research tries to explain the grounds for the invasion of Khur and Biabanak by Basseris and the consequences, based on descriptive-analytical method and using library resources. The most important resources is the manuscript of Ghasideh-ye Jandaghieh by Mirza Mohammad Ali Monshi Bashi. The poet’s presence in the written event maximizes its importance as well as its necessity to be used in this study. The findings show the considerable effect of political, social, and economic components in the raid of Khur and Biabanak by Basseris. After failing to fulfill his political and economic goals in Fars and following the social crisis in that state, Ramezan Khan Basseri made attempts in another region to realize his purposes. So, considering the turbulent situation in Khur and Biabanak due to the weak central authority and inefficient operation of rulers, he selected this region for his ambitions.

This article briefly examines the functioning of the baladiyeh, state, and provincial associations after the establishment of the constitutional government in Iran from 1325 to 1328 AH, relying on important documents. By drafting the constitution and in accordance with principles 90 to 93, the order was issued for the formation of these associations and the way in which their representatives were elected. In fact, the government intended to help restore order, security, and justice in all parts of the country. However, this led to the separation of some local affairs from national affairs and their administration falling within the jurisdiction of local authorities and their being relatively independent from the central government authorities in terms of being delegated or dismissed. Also, the broad powers in this area, such as the approval of the city budget, imposition of local taxes, supervision over the administration of the city property, approval of getting a loan, and in general, approval of any transactions were carried out by the associations. This paper seeks to investigate the aspects and dimensions of this issue using historical research methodology, based on description and analysis, and relying on documents and resources. Research findings show that these associations, with the authority they had, at times, abused their power and behaved in opposition with the central government’s opinion. However, to disguise their true appearance, they paid attention to the areas under their control and took some measures for public benefit.