International Journal of Political Science ISSN: 2228-6217 Vol 8, No 2 , Summer 2018, (pp.65-87)

Sociological Analysis of Investigating the Role of Symbols in Strengthening and Sustaining the Flow of Marxism in Iran during the Pahlavi Era

Tohid Rastin1, Mahbubeh Paknia2* 1Department of Political Science, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran 2Department of Political Science, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

Received: 10 Oct 2017 ; Accepted: 20 May 2018

Abstract: The flow of Marxism was one of the most powerful social-political currents of the Pah- lavi opposition which, despite the progress of political upheavals and internal splits, reached the threshold of the Islamic Revolution. One of the main reasons for the success of this flow, compared to other rival currents, was the presence of numerous symbols in the context of this adventure. The symbols of this paradigm are one of the most impor- tant means of communicating, linguistic, and writing the flow of Marxism, whose role is to evoke the actions of actors who are dependent on this trend. Symbolic concepts attributable to this work such as; Worker, Rose, Red Army, Hammer and Sickle, Revo- lution, Comrade, etc., like the symbolic, facilitate the communication between actors and the left-leaning process and create the mobility, motivation, and empathy of the protesters Against the Pahlavi monarchy system. During this process, the symbols also perform a special function. They are a factor in the strengthening and coherence of the left flow. The symbols create the adherence and attachment of individuals to the flow of mobility, consistency, and survival.

Keywords: Symbol, Social-political flows, Marxist flow, Character or Habit, Symbolic capital

Introduction traditions and mental images, therefore, so- Sociologists believe that human relationships cio-political flows, and symbols can be con- are always influenced by their beliefs, habits, sidered to be one of the most important

* Corresponding Author’s Email: [email protected] 66

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elements in the perception, behavior, and left flow at that time was the powerful pres- generally human actions. In such a way that ence of the symbols contained in the text of if symbols are put aside, another symbol will the Marxist flow. It is impossible to imagine be replaced, and thus no society can be found this flow without the presence of symbols. that lacks social-political currents and it The left flow symbols are so highlighted as seems that in most cases human life is noth- the key factor in the type of collective action ing but, production and processing of cur- of activists that one can dare to claim that its rents and symbols, and acting and reacting social and cultural necessity depends on the based on them. Looking at Iran's political- life, demise, and rebirth of the symbol. From social trends in the Pahlavi era, we will find this perspective, the continuity and sustaina- that various currents have been active in a bility of this flow and symbols are highly complex and multi-faceted situation in Iran. interdependent. In this process, due to the The opinion of most scholars is that in the high potential for the birth or awakening of Pahlavi era, Iran, despite of its eclipse and asleep symbols, it was possible for this flow outspoken currents, has been the scene of the to survive and re-live. In fact, this is why the evolution and conflict of four major socio- current of Marxism is considered to be the political trends, one of the most powerful of most systematic and most persuasive social- which is the current of Marxism. This flow, political currents of Iran, especially in the after the establishment of non-adherent asso- contemporary era. ciations by the leaders of the Hemmat party during the Constitutional Revolution, became 1) Explore Concepts widespread through the activities of the So- I. Symbol cialist Party (Modir Shaneh Chi, 1996: 49- The symbol is a sign which between its face 48) After establishing the Communist Party and its meaning is neither objective similarity of Iran in 1920, after about two decades, the nor interrelationship (Mohsenian Rad, 2006: suspension and underground activities with 202). Consequently, it imparts meaning the departure of Reza Shah from the country beyond or inferior to its psychological quality in 1941 became one of the most important (Fordham, 40: 1967). The symbol excites the social-political currents of contemporary Ira- mankind’s thoughts it draws man to the point nian history. The flow of Marxism, first ap- of thinking without speech, and in fact, hu- peared in the form of the "Tudeh Party "in man endeavor to find and visualize concepts the early days of Mohammad Reza's rule in that surround him beyond ambiguities and the domestic sprawl, after organizing strikes imagination and darkness (Behzadi, 52: and marches in the country and passing 2001). Human beings speak with Existence, through decades of tumultuous internal splits to nature, to their own kind and to themselves in the form of "Third Force", "Maoism" and by symbol; these conversations can never be "Guerrilla" played the role of the most orga- achieved without the mediation of the symbol nized and lasting socio-political process in (Vazirnia, 64: 2002). Symbols, guide the country until the victory of the Islamic people’s behaviors, and goals. People use Revolution. In our view, one of the most im- symbols to show their inner desires (Bahmani portant reasons for the survival of the Iranian and Saffarian, 18: 2010). Through symbols,

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International Journal of Political Science, Vol 8, No 2 , Summer 2018 values become embedded in their abstract preconditions for the formation, movement, form and become tangible and objective. and survival of socio-political currents as Symbols as communication tools can provide following: common identity and integrity backgrounds A) The existence of a philo- among groups, organizations, and nations. sophical, political, social or reli- So, one of the most important functions of gious idea that meets the inter- the symbols is the feature of their equipping. ests of the people, human rights, and human freedom, divine will, 2) Social-political flows and so on. In the Social Sciences, the semantic circle of B) The presence of a number “flow” is a very broad stream. In a flow, a of believers in a particular dis- group of people is gathered around the axis cipline or ideology. of a certain thought, mind and ideology with C) Existence of a deep dissa- the definition of a specific goal, and are tisfaction with the current state present to create change in the level of socie- of society and a sense of frustra- ty as a peaceful movement (as social move- tion and disappointment in the ments, aggression, etc.) or a non-peaceful coming days. movement (as rebellion, insurrection, revolu- D) The presence of a charis- tion, etc.). Therefore, a flow is created when matic leader in the role of ideo- a thought is taken out of the mind or paper logue. and is accepted by a number of people, and E) The presence of symbols they base their actions on that thought, and in a high level and symbolism of their collective action is found in the field of the Exquisite members and the society. In this situation, the believers in the leaders in all currents that cause idea are volunteering to reach specific goals the thrill of emotions among the in a certain direction (Khorramshad and people. Sarparast Sadat, 2013: 65-64). There are

Chart 1: The Conceptual Model of the Fundamental Principles of the Formation of Social-Political Currents

Symbolism Charismatic thought leader

Dissatisfaction and Masses of people or opposition among socio-political groups groups and organiza- and organizations tions

3) The Flow of Iranian Marxism Among all the social divisions, they consi- Marxism is a flow that Friedrich Engels gave dered the class division of society to be ge- to his and Karl Marx’s collection of ideas. nuine and decisive, and, by adopting this

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insight to human history, they interpreted 38-37) At that time, the situation was such their Social Sciences as "historical material- that, due to the huge mass of workers, this ism." According to this theory, the history of stratum quickly absorbed the trade slogans of human society and the cause of its movement the Tudeh Party, which included equality and evolution are class struggle. This insight, before the law, universal education, equality known as "proletarian internationalism", was between women and men, acquisition of en- adapted to the field of relations between hu- dowments and education in the language of man societies. From this perspective, the the nationalities, on the other hand, the lead- "working class" stands as a united interna- ers of the leftist movement; Iraj Eskandari, tional class against the capitalist class. Capi- Taqi Fadakar, and Abdossamad Kambakhsh tal is also an international force, and the capi- were able to enter the parliament. But, after talist system, by internationalizing capital, the incident of assassination of the Shah by has expanded its scope of exploitation and Naser Fakhr Araider on February 5, 1948, plunders in all parts of the world. On the oth- and the August 18, 1693, coup d’état, the er hand, the labor force is also an internation- activities of all the groups and entities attri- al force, and it stands against the common butable to the left-wing movement were an- enemy, the bourgeoisie in all parts of the nounced illegal. In this vein, the left flow was world (the Tudeh Party, from the formation in its most powerful position in its history, to the collapse, 2008: 27). Although Marxism and its main supporters were the Tudeh Par- accepted changes in its approach to various ty, the middle classes of salaried society, as theories and adapted to historical events, it well as the urban working class, who be- was ultimately led by the Bolsheviks led by tween the years 1942 to 1953 had successful Lenin in the framework of the project "Build- strikes throughout the country (Abrahamyan, ing Socialism in the Commonwealth" in the 2004: 410-407). The suppression of the activ- Soviet Union (Bashiriyeh, 2011: 120). As a ity of the left-wing organizations and groups matter of fact, due to its neighbors with Iran, was in coincidence with the political conflicts it quickly became commonplace among Ira- and theoretical encounters among the brother nian intellectuals. After the reign of Reza parties of the socialist camp on the main pol- Khan, Marxism movements in Iran led to a icy and political strategy of the communist secret and underground activities, and many world movement, on the one hand, there was of the Marxist leaders and intellectuals, such China, Cuba, Vietnam and the radical revolu- as Taqi Arani, Ja'far Pishevar, and Ardashes tionary groups of Asia and Africa, on the Avanesian, were imprisoned (Zabih, 1987: other hand, was the Communist Party of the 124). But after the withdrawal of Reza Shah Soviet Union and its Allies. These conditions from the country and the occupation of a part caused the Iranian left flow to turn towards of Iranian territory by the Soviet Army in revolutionary radicalism in Cuba and China 1941, the left flow re-emerged again and the also by maintaining their Marxist-Leninist old Communists founded the Tudeh Party. desires, in this way, the fields of formation of The Tudeh party was an intellectual base, and Maoist and guerrilla currents were provided the most important initiative was the "Central by forming such groups as the Tudeh revolu- Workers Council". (Modir Shanechi, 2009: tionary organization, the Fadayi Khalq guer-

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International Journal of Political Science, Vol 8, No 2 , Summer 2018 rillas, the storm group, the MKO, and ... pact on an individual, group, and community (Shaukat, 1989: 48). Maoism was a military development. Proponents of this theory be- theory that linked its political ideology with lieve that virtually all interactions between military strategy. In Mao's view, the people human beings involve the exchange of sym- and the villagers can be mobilized and by bols. In the words of George Herbert Mead, launching guerrilla warfare, and through a the symbols are intended to represent some- socialist revolution, the power of the state thing or transfer meaning from the recipient's can be seized. Therefore, from the point of message. In this process, values or meanings view of the Iranian left flow (especially in the are not hidden in the essence of objects, but 1960s and 1970s), not strikes nor marches, have a human tag (Reuters, 2007: 284). In but the guerrilla armed struggle was intro- fact, people arbitrarily and arbitrarily imitate duced as a way to cure the crisis created by or customize a specific interpretation of sym- social-political groups against the Pahlavi bols (Aslam Javadi and Nikpay, 2010: 178). regime. In the context of the left flow, despite Herbert Blumer, another theorist of symbolic the existence of intellectual splits and differ- reciprocity, also believes the process of sym- ent theoretical approaches to how the Pahlavi bolic interaction of each individual with regime should be destroyed, the monarchy's awareness and interpretation and making his alternative was the same Marxism-Leninism actions conscious according to the actions of system of the Soviet Union. others and the interpretation of oneself. Therefore, in this view, the meaning is, in- 4) Theoretical Analysis deed, a social production that is constructed II. Background and subjected to meaningful actions and ac- Among the first theorists who spoke in the tions of others in dealing with an object (lo- form of a semantic theory of the role and ap- neliness, 1998: 452-451). Symbolic reci- plication of symbols in society, was Ferdi- procity theory was lacking coherence due to nand du Saussure. He was referring to a ma- the lack of responsiveness to how the mean- terial aspect and an immaterial aspect of the ing was fixed, the interpretation process, and sign, and language was also an intriguing the determination of its boundaries. Hence, aspect. In his view, the sign was a phenome- Umberto Eco and Pierre Bourdieu put for- non that was composed of the combination of ward a more general theory. Eco provided a "signifier" and "signified" (Sajudi, 2003: 22). plan that would also dispense signification Saussure believes that there is no natural and from the static signifier and explain the ex- inherent relation between the signifier and tent of interpretation in a scientifically sound the signified. A signifier in relation to the way (Eco, 2008: 21). He stressed that mean- signified can accept any form. Thus, signs are ing is not limited to a fixed and stationary contractual affairs that, by communicating point, referred to as "symbolic interpreta- with other members and elements of the lin- tion." Based on "interpretive semantics," dy- guistic system, have different meanings namic signs and interpretations are endless, (Saussure, 1966: 118). Regarding the variable and the process of signaling is a dynamic and and conventional nature of symbols, theorists endless movement between commentary and of "symbolic interaction" emphasized the another, and this means the outcome of this importance of symbolic communication, that process. But that does not mean that every is, symbols, gestures, language, and its im- comment is correct. He considers constraints

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for interpretation, according to him, the text lar and recurring experiences that create a itself imposes restrictions. He says: First, the common cause, and this, in turn, forms the meaning lies within the context. When the structure of their social actions (Seyedman signs are separated from the texture of the 197: 2007). In his opinion, the symbolic text, they become dead and ghostly rules. power manifests itself in the belief in the le- Second, there is a dialectical relation between gitimacy of these symbols and those who the "intention of the text" and the "reader's express it and it is shaped in relation to social intention" that defines the domain of the in- structure. Bourdieu believes that capital is not terpretations; and third, the interpretations of only concerned with material interests but text within an aggregate creates an interdis- also with the same intensity as the symbolic, ciplinary relation that takes precedence over cognitive and social interests (Fein, 2006: other interpretations. This "Interpretive 104). For this purpose, various types of capi- community" leads to an interesting concept tal are spoken of, among which symbolic titled Encyclopedia. But what is the Encyclo- capital refers to a set of tools such as pres- pedia? In his opinion, the interpretations must tige, dignity, respect, and individual capabili- ultimately be a galaxy. If these interpretations ties in behaviors (theology and the body) that can make a semantic galaxy, the encyclope- the individual or group possesses. Symbolic dia will be formed (Ahmadi, 2003: 365). He capital gives a form of domination to create ultimately concludes that the dominant dis- dependence. Dependence on those who have course on the text leads to a kind of cohe- allowed capital to dominate them. (Jenkins, rence in the text (Algone Juqani, 2016: 44). 2005: 119) Pierre Bourdieu, also by bringing up the theory of practice, established a general 5) An analysis of the Role and Func- theory in the analysis of social phenomena tion of Symbols in the Context of Iranian (Naghibzadeh and Ostowar, 2012: 139). The Marxist Current theoretical discussion of symbols relates Sociologists believe that symbols are inhe- mainly to the form of Bourdieu's ideas, which rently value-oriented in nature; symbols are presented a new class perspective, given the correlated with good and bad, they are res- economic benefit for noneconomic goods and tored and protected, and they are associated the role of capital in all social and political with phenomena that are supposed to come activities (Ostowar, 2012: 26-25). He ex- into being in the future. People use the sym- plained his theoretical strategy by inventing bols either willingly or unwillingly to convey concepts such as habitual, symbolic capital a message, focusing attention on the subject, and symbolic power. Bourdieu believes that affecting it or influencing it, promoting cul- what a person considers as a personal choice ture or advertising a thought, or announcing is, in fact, nothing but a result of the rules and honoring the presence and life of that the group or class has imposed on him. thought. Indeed, it is for this reason that He calls this internalization mechanism "be- symbols are one of the key factors in the havior" or "habitual" (Fazeli, 40: 2003). formation, survival, and durability of all so- Bourdieu believes individuals have a com- cio-political processes in a community. In mon structural or class status and have simi- other words, symbols are represented in the

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International Journal of Political Science, Vol 8, No 2 , Summer 2018 sociopolitical flows of each society, and function of symbols within socio-political people, groups and organizations interact processes. These concepts include a) symbol- with each other and interact or compete with ic elements; b) interpretations; c) habitual; d) each other. Therefore, these socio-political symbolic capital. currents are meaningful in the minds of hu- mans through their symbolic meanings and 6) Symbolic Elements symbols, the world of culture, politics, and so Human is a social being and s/he needs to on, and they can be interpreted and recog- enter communication and interaction with nized in the first place, and at a later stage others. These communications usually take they act and they react. From this perspec- place in two ways: verbal communication tive, socio-political flows emerge from the and non-verbal communication. In every context of society, and the main elements of word, there is a message that is received ac- it are interconnected through symbols best cording to the individual's mental meaning. understood and interpreted. We believe that In non-verbal communication, one of the none of the symbols or none of the flows are transmission channels of meaning is "sym- formed in a void. The survival of the symbols bolic elements." Symbols are potentials for is dependent on currents and the survival of concepts and their meanings, and the reposi- the currents also depends on the creation and tories of social, political, cultural ideas, and interpretation of the symbols. In this process, have the potential to carry different mean- symbolic floating signboards are usually cap- ings. In sociology, symbols will be catego- tured, interpreted and used by various rized according to the form of the natural (io- streams to achieve specific goals. Therefore, nic) and contractual (non-iconic) forms. Nat- to analyze the role of symbols in strengthen- ural symbols are symbols that naturally relate ing and advancing the flow of Marxism in the to their signifier, and they can easily be un- Pahlavi period, we should analyze the signs derstood by anyone. Such as smoke, which is and symbols. For this reason, we discussed a sign of fire? And conventional symbols; it the views and ideas of scientists in the do- can be said that almost all social symbols are main of the symbols in the literature and from this category and are subject to social, theoretical discussions. In the following dis- political and cultural conditions. In the social cussion, using the ideas of these thinkers, we sciences, since the fact that symbols are con- will seek to answer the main question of how ventionally present and the necessity of in- the symbols interact with the flow of Marx- terpretive dimensions to discover the seman- ism, causing the formation of meanings, in- tic content of a symbol, anything can have terpretations, and perceptions among activ- symbolic property, such as natural elements ists, and processes for understanding the en- (rocks, plants, animals, humans, etc.) Cere- vironment and the world around them creates monies and rituals (places of worship and for the individual, groups and different or- religious ceremonies), places and any struc- ganizations in the context of the left flow, tures of human construction (mosques, and during this process, the durability and churches, temples, statues, etc.), or any ele- survival of the current flow. To answer the ment as a word and concept (freedom, jus- above question, we tried to borrow new con- tice, martyrdom and ...). As a matter of fact, cepts from Bourdieu's key concepts and ex- in the social sciences of the whole world, is plore sociological analysis of the role and potentially a symbol, so it is impossible to

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provide a precise, comprehensive, and com- society. The existence of various currents plete categorization of a variety of symbols in makes it possible for an agency to choose the social sciences. In this paper, from a so- from a strategic approach to the intellectual ciological point of view, some of the most and practical perspectives in society. The important symbolic elements of this move- multiplicity of different streams of text caus- ment have been mentioned, (such as Hammer es the formation of different interpretative and Sickle, Red Army, Red Flag, Rose, galaxies and various encyclopedias, and in Worker, Strike and march, comrade, creativi- our view what limits and defines the scope of ty, and so on), in order to examine the role the interpretation and prevents the extreme and effect of symbols on the left flow. and numerous interpretations and exegesis, is the existence various currents within the text. 7) Interpretation With this sociological description in the do- According to Eco, we are faced with a broad- main of symbols, an interpretation of the di- er system of probable inference about mean- alectic of an agency, sign, and flow is ing (Bianchi, 2009: 19). Therefore, dynamic formed. In fact, for the purpose of converting signs and interpretations are endless. He be- interpretations into a galaxy, and then form- lieves that, if different interpretations can ing an encyclopedia, the following three make a galaxy together, the Encyclopedia forms are required. Because they had an arbi- will be created, but if any factor has an inde- trary relationship before they entered the pendent interpretation of others and not a so- process of aggregation. But after the aggrega- called galaxy, we will not reach the interpret tion has taken place, their relationship with stabilization phase (Ahmadi, 2003: 365). This each other is required. Because all stages of means that in the social sciences, simulta- the processing and selection of text, sign, and neously several galaxies may be created, flow are carried out by the agency, it is at this along with several encyclopedias in the text, stage that the facts are formed and led to the due to different interpretations of a subject. formation of the galaxy and then leads to an That is to say, since we are faced with an encyclopedia. open system of interpreting the signs within a text, a number of factors may select the same Chart 2: The Dialectical Conceptual Model meaning and the same interpretation simulta- of Agency, Sign and Flow neously in a different intellectual and cogni- tive perspective and cause the formation of Flow Sign different galaxies Different encyclopedias inside the text. Here we can implicitly claim Interpreta- that socio-political currents participate in the tion formulation of interpretation, as the layers Agency that are always present in the text, and de- code the sign elements. Thus, the angle of view or the intellectual and practical perspec- tive of activists in the context of each society depends on the socio-political flows of that

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8) Habitual spiritual (socio-political, cultural, symbolic Individuals, within each stream, have similar, interests). Corresponding to the subject of common, and repetitive experiences that, in research, we mean capital from the same total, give rise to a specific flow of one's symbolic capital. For a symbolic capital flow, flow, which in turn forms and structures their time is considered to be an actual factor to be social-political actions. In fact, habits are re- accumulated and exploited by actors attri- gulated by the flow of currents and made buted to each stream. In this context, symbol- available to actors, thus restricting or control- ic capital creates a kind of collective belief ling their actions. Hence, the habit fully af- that is based on credibility, which together fects the socio-political status of the activists with itself creates a form of power that is in and distinguishes them from other actors. The tune with respect, obedience, and acceptance formation of a habit is dependent on a flow, and as much as the accumulation of symbolic and each socio-political flow creates its own capital that flows in different economic, so- character, and since there are different cur- cial, political, cultural and religious domains rents within each society, actors would natu- is more will also be survival and durability. rally witness the presence of different kinds and attributes in the level of society, and this will cause actors and agents to behave stra- 10) The Symbolic Capital of the Marxist tegically when confronted with different situ- Flow of the Pahlavi Era ations and events in the community. Because III. Red Flag actors are aware of the interactions of differ- The red color has always been a good symbol ent currents and habits in the community. in Russian culture. The word "red" which is Hence, the habit is not a constant matter, and called in the Russian language "Krasner" is thus the habits are created and made in the ethnically related to the Russian word "beau- same stream, and in other words, the mod- tiful". In this culture, different interpretations erate flows are produced and reproduced ha- of red are used as symbols of blood, human bits. Therefore, there is a dialectical relation- existence, fire, power, work, and effort. So, ship between currents, characteristics, and when the Bolsheviks overthrew the Tsar of actors that are constantly building and being Russia, they used the red flag as a symbol of built on the basis of a developmental ap- the blood of workers and farmers. During the proach of the above elements, which is why, revolution, the Red Army (the Bolshevik as a rule, the actions of activists are not uni- forces) fought with the White Army (loyal to form and evolve and change over time. the tsar). Therefore, the Communists or the ruling Soviet of the Soviet Union were called 9) Symbolic Capital "Reds" in popular culture. Since then, the What we mean by capital is, to a great extent, Red Flag has often been used in combination similar to the Bourdieu concept of capital. with other socialist symbols as symbols of Like other Marxists, Bourdieu does not pay countries, parties, movements, and move- attention to the way social production may ments with communist and socialist status in analyze social structures but focuses on all countries. This flag is used in marches and community consumption. Therefore, capital communist and socialist gatherings such as is something that is related both to the ma- the "First of May" working day. In Iran, terial (economic) and the non-material and when Marxists had dominated the main

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streets and squares of the city, installed red wing movement from the time of its occupa- flags over many houses and shops. They tion of the northern parts of the country on trained their forces for the sake of limb and September 3, 1941, until its departure on strength in various occasions by distributing April 4, 1946, and with the support of the posters, red paintings, and flags. (Nahavandi, Red Army Democratic sect of Azerbaijan and 2009: 592) During this period, burials, meet- Kurdistan was formed. Therefore, the most ings, and councils, marches and strikes were important role of the Red Army was the performed by singing the International an- "supportive role" of the left-wing movements them and raising the red flag. The slogans and ethnic nationalism. One of the hallmarks that were usually written on the red flags of the Red Army was the discipline and or- were in the struggle against colonialism and ganization and access to advanced weapons, the anti-democratic system of capitalism. In so the Red Army-dependent organizations such a space, the existence of a red flag like the Tudeh Party had the same level of among the people was thought to be a symbol discipline. The Tudeh Party was a symbol of of the Marxist movement, which at the same Marxism in the Pahlavi period due to its or- time provided an intellectual and practical ganization, its internal discipline and the perspective to support workers, farmers, and weakness of the central government. the workers among the masses. 12) Red Flower 11) Red Army In the Tudeh party, like other left flow parties The "Red Army" is the abbreviation of the of other countries, red color was holy, with "Red Army of Workers and Farmers" in the the difference that an image of a “rose” was Russian language, which appeared as a well- on its flag. The red rose was the symbol of equipped force created by the Bolsheviks the union and solidarity of the workers who, during the Russian Civil War. It then became according to the followers of the left flow, the main military force of the Soviet Union in were exploited by the manufacturers, lan- 1922. During World War II, the northern dlords, and so-called owners of the means of pages of Iran came under the boots of the production. This symbol was customary be- Red Army. The Red Army was setting up fore the arrest of Tudeh party leaders in the under the name of the Directorate General of 1950s, but in the late 1960s, due to the politi- Political Advertising (GUP), its mission was cal oppression of the country, there was a to promote a socialist system and gain credi- split in the left, forming a period of political bility and popularity for the Red Army. Since history, namely the period of armed struggle the activities of socialist organizations (group and Guerrilla warfare. In these years, two of 53 led by Taqi Arani) were suppressed by articles were published titled "The Necessity the government, then, as soon as Reza Shah of Armed Conflict and the Rejection of the left, the burst of the left flow in Iran was Survival Theory" by Amir Parviz Pooyan, as quickly recruited with the support of the Red well as "Armed Conflict, Strategy, and Tac- Army, Red Army Reorganized as the Tudeh tics" by Massoud Ahmadzadeh. In these two Party in the war-torn society of the 1940s. articles, it can be said that the first writings The Red Army continued to support the left- and efforts were to explain the necessity of

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International Journal of Political Science, Vol 8, No 2 , Summer 2018 armed conflict with the government It was history of Iranian acquaintance with this also considered a form of resistance to the symbol comes back to the time of the occu- passive teachings of the Tudeh Party. The pation of Iran by the Soviet Army because idealist theses were as a dream and a struggle this symbol was inscribed on the flag and that the guerrilla war was the only way to military uniforms. With the spread of com- release and inform the people and create a munist authority in Iran, some intellectuals predetermined organization and a popular and socio-political groups and organizations army under the guise of socialism. With the were attracted to this symbol. For instance, a changes in the type of left-turn movements, communist and revolutionary poet Farrokhi another symbol appeared among them, the Yazdi writes in his court in praising this new symbol was a "Tulip". The Tulip flower symbol: "With the hammer and the hammer, symbolizes the martyrdom and shedding of fade away, you should not crochet this crown the blood of Marxist followers like the Fe- of the porch/chow every day" (Farrokhi Yaz- dayan Khalq and the Mujahedin-e Khalq. In di, 2001: 138). In another example, Gholam the literature of that day, the martyrs of the Hossein Baghi writes in his memoirs: "In left flow were known as the "Red Flowers of most of the sanatoria, colorful images of Le- the Revolution". nin, Stalin, war heroes, various badges, and have been seen earlier. On the adjacent land, 13) Hammer and Sickle they had wireless on the stones and the sports Sickle and hammer are one of the communist stadium. In every regiment, a large summer symbols and their application by a person or scene was made with clay... And on top of all group represents the tendency of that person the scenes, the official logos of the Soviet or group to a socialist state. In this symbol, Union were plastered... In addition to the the sickle symbol of the farmers and the split of roads and the front of the entrance hammer is a sign of the industrial workers, doors, the walls of the regiments made a and the combination of these two tools is an white wall and on it along with the image of indication of the integrity of the workers of the red star, the sickle and the hammer, were the industries and farmers. Of course, before written certain slogans. (Baghi, 214-213) the recognition of this symbol as a commun- ist authority, the Red Army and the Red 14) Closed Fist Guard used denominations of miners and Closed fist is a common symbol of political hammer on their denims, hats and uniforms. struggles. As a symbol of struggle and soli- But later from 1917-1918, this symbol was darity, this sign has a long history and is used changed, and the face of the sickle and ham- in many different ways. But, most of these mer was taken and became official since trends are related to Marxist currents and op- 1922. It became known to the world after pressed minorities and are often seen in the being used on the Soviet Union flag. Other early propaganda of workers' organizations. communist drafts used the symbol Sickle and Closed fist is interpreted as a symbol of high Hammer in parts of their flag. Through the potential because, as much as the symbol of promotion and dissemination of this symbol, solidarity, and collective resistance, it has the communists try to portray an arbitrary been a sign of pride, struggle and individual figure of themselves and an unfair face of the power. It is almost impossible to imagine capitalist system and private property. The organized protests, revolutions and the an-

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nouncement of power to domineering powers cio-political phenomena" and put it in the without this symbol. Its usage and propaga- shape of its mark, they give it a certain color tion by the Marxist currents reflects their and glaze, and they are used by repetitive ability to mobilize their forces against a elements from their own affairs. So that the giant, strong and ruthless power. In the reign speaker and the listener were thrown into the of Mohammad Reza Shah, followers of all same queue at the time of applying that phe- socio-political movements used this symbol nomenon; hence, in the literature of the left in the form of physical pest in marches and flow, the word "Comrade" became a word demonstrations, to show their protest against that compressed sacrifice, devastation, being Pahlavi's tyranny, but this symbol being the the leader of the class struggle, honesty, bra- logo of an organization or a marker which is very, resistance to the class enemy. The a socio-political one, and even applied to a Comrade belongs to someone who stands in thread in literature, it was often used in the the first place in the struggle to uphold the left flow. For instance, following the 1974 rights of men and women, workers, children, ideological stance, the Marxist Mujahedeen and all the oppressed. For this purpose, the retained the organization's logo and changed use of the word "unfriend" in the course of the signs and symptoms of the past, eliminat- the left was insulting. So, by studying a text ed the verses of the Qur'an, and the history of or dialogue in the 1970s, there was no doubt the organization, and added the tied fist as a that the term "Comrade" was used in a clas- sign of dependence on the working class, de- sical and participative manner in the interests spite maintaining its internal content, they of the working people of the left wing. designed a different logo. 16) Khalq 15) Comrade The term “Khalq” is an Arabic word that The use of the term "Comrade" is not a mod- means creating. In the Persian language, as ern term, which is, i.e., belonging to the con- long as there was no political and sociologi- temporary era, but rather from the very far- cal burden on it, it was used in the meaning fetched past and used for the dearest friend. of creation (which God created), which in- Men and women from the distant past called cluded all the creation, even humans. But their best friend "Comrade". At that time, the over time, it became more popular in the comrade was referred to someone who was a sense of "people". Like, Rumi says: "His successor, happiness, and strength to over- choice was a laughing matter for people, imi- come the hardships. For example, "Hafiz" tation destroyed people." In another example, considers having a merciful and kind Com- Sa`di says: "To worship God is nothing other panion of the Merciful is the successes of life than to serve the people". Therefore, the and happiness of man: "A safe place and a word "Khalq" in the meaning of "people" in good wine and a merciful friend/hope your Persian language has a long history and it is life would be successful." Social-political not the achievement of a certain political currents, whether willingly or unwillingly, try thought. However, groups and associations to symbolize the symbolic representation of affiliated with various socio-political cultures their respective affinities, "symbolize the so- to formulate their own literature to separate

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International Journal of Political Science, Vol 8, No 2 , Summer 2018 the "friend" from the "foe" they repeat a par- 2004: 346). From this, the workers' stratum ticular term and assign it to themselves. Talk- became the "symbolic tool" of the Tudeh Par- ing about the concept of "people" in the so- ty's goals and programs. The Tudeh Party cial-political context of the left flow, it seems managed to bring the workers of Iran into the to speak of a specific ideological identity. realm of policy, and this was an important The word "people" in this flow is a historical factor that gradually transformed the "class category that embraces various social classes into itself" into a "class for itself". The Tudeh that objectively and subjectively call for a party also created this belief among the society with classless, and refers to a period workers that the working class can fight capi- in which the society is moving towards capi- talist governments and brings them down, by talism and imperialism. In fact, in the left organizing and guidance their intellectual flow, exclusively "people" are said to all- leaders. In fact, the Tudeh party was the main dominated and anti-imperialist forces that factor in expressing the identity of the work- objectively oppose the monopoly bourgeoi- ing class. For this reason, the recruitment, sie. Ehsan Tabari writes: "The “Khalq” is organization and management of the working part of classes, groups, and people from a class for the left flow became a priority, in- country that is the main driver of progressive asmuch as the fate of the left flow depends on transformations and the revitalization of the the fate of the working class, because the revolutionary organization of society." (Ta- working classes caused the thought that the bari, no date, 171) essence of the left flow was to defend the deprived and the hardworking class is op- 17) Worker posed to the brutal relationship between the In the early years of the reign of Mohammad employer and the worker. Hence, in the gen- Reza Pahlavi, left-flow leaders believed that eral circles, the word "worker" became the principally the world's major contradiction main symbolic expression of the left-flow, was "labor and capital," or "socialism and which, when used, was associated with one capitalism," and that, while the left's current of the common concepts in Marxist discus- course was on the side of socialism, they sions. must affect other political groups active in the politics of Iran through recruiting of the 18) Strike and March working class, and also challenges the Pahla- The left flow has played a significant role in vi regime, which governs the right flow on the socio-political transformations of the behalf of imperialism (Sam Deliri, 2012: 4). country through the Tudeh Party and the For this reason, on September 27th, only thir- United Council of Workers from early days teen days after the resignation of Reza Shah, of Mohammad Reza Shah. Although the the "Tudeh Party of Iran" was established as United Council generally avoided interfering the only representative of the Iranian left in political affairs and followed up issues flow. One of the main goals of this party was such as 8 hours of daily work, wages for Fri- the transfer of power from the reactionary day and days of unemployment, equal wages classes (usurious landlords, colonial capital- for men and women, permits for March and ists, and industrial plunderers) to democratic strike, etc. But, virtually because of the po- classes, namely, workers, peasants, urban tential for launching "strike and March," laborers and petty bourgeoisie (Abrahamyan played a completely political role in the

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country's political transformations. For in- 19) Revolution stance, the strike of the workers of the Textile Marx considered the revolution as the loco- Factory in Tehran and the leatherworking of motive of history and divided it into two cat- Azerbaijan, and the workers of the Textile egories, bourgeois and socialist revolutions Factory of Mazandaran in the years 1943-44 (Tabari, no date. 143). The bourgeois revolu- and the strike in Abadan on July 13, 1946 tion takes place after the formation and em- (the largest strike in terms of the number of powerment of the capitalist class because of nearly one hundred thousand people). their conflicts of interest with the ruling Rahbar wrote on the strike; this is the larg- feudal class. But, socialist revolution will est march in the history of the Middle East, occur in societies that on the one hand, the organized by a non-governmental organiza- mode of capitalist production will reach its tion (Abrahamyan, 2004: 370). So, the fullest extent, and this will lead to internal strike was considered as a "symbolic ex- contradictions. And on the other hand, with pression of bargaining" for the left flow the coherence and awareness of the proleta- and its related elements, the Tudeh Party rian class, a revolution will take place in the and the United Council. The left-flow interests of the proletariat. Therefore, in gen- brought severe pressure on governments eral, the discussion of "revolution" is an through "strikes and marches" and ulti- integral part of all Marxist-Leninists currents, mately forced them to surrender to their which the left flow of Iran was no different demands. For example, Qawam assigned from. In the Iranian society of the Pahlavi three important posts to Keshavarz, Yazdi period, "revolution" was a term that in the and Iraj Eskandari. Though the Ministry of beginning was specific to the left-flow, and it Labor and "Eski" was created as an exclu- was the same as the workers' revolution, sive agent of workers by Qawam, the left- which, in the opinion of the leaders of the flow continued to have full power of strike, left-flow, was the only way to save the domi- which was why the government had to dec- nated class from the clutches of colonialism lare a military rule. Even after the assassi- and imperialism and it was the only way to nation of Mohammad Reza Shah on Febru- achieve an ideal society. But, since the late ary 5, 1948, when the activities of the Unit- 1940s, revolutionist has also become per- ed Council and the Tudeh Party were de- meated as a new theory during the Islamist clared illegal. Through the strike, the work- movement by the thoughts of Dr. Shariati. ers were able to help the oil issue, which From the concept of revolution, various in- became an increasingly popular issue of terpretations were made regarding the inter- nationality. In fact, due to the impact of the nal splits of the left flow (the Tudeh Party, organized strikes of the left flow, Eghbal the Fedayan Khalq Organization, and Muja- believed that the word "strike" had been hedeen Khalq Organization). The three or- entered the Persian language by the Tudeh ganizations, (as a monopolistic view), be- Party. So, he did not want to hear the word lieved that the world was divided into hostile strike during his prime minister's term in camps and that the Pahlavi regime was in the 1957. (Abrahamyan, 2004: 517) camp of imperialism and themselves were at the pillar of communism. So, they demanded

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International Journal of Political Science, Vol 8, No 2 , Summer 2018 a global revolution against the right flow. party (Fadayi Khalq Guerrillas Organization, They thought that the Pahlavi regime was A.B. A: 29). But, the MKO, unlike the two taking the path of imperialism and entered former parties, who considered the possibility capitalist relations with land reform plan. of a classless society subject to the objective Because the land reform by changing the and mental conditions of the revolution, be- mode of production has led to the destruction lieved that the Iranian society not only had of the feudal system and the replacement of the objective conditions of revolution but the dependent capitalist system, and the main also had the mental conditions of the revolu- motive of the monarchy's system of land tion. But, due to the lack of an appropriate reform is actually to destroy the "potential of professional organization and a revolutionary social revolutions and the explosive revolu- organization to lead and direct opposition in tion and the preservation of Iran in the camp the proper direction, there has been a delay in of the West" (Sam Deliri, 2012: 10-5). In achieving the revolution. In their view, after such a situation, the Tudeh Party believed the land reform, the petty bourgeoisie has that in Iranian society, the contradiction be- expanded in the Iranian cities, which, if tween exploiting classes and exploited guided and leaded, by the individuals and classes might be the cause of the occurrence elements, conscious and responsible for the of a national-democratic revolution. The Tu- organization of leadership, are capable of deh Party believed that the objective condi- creating a revolution in Iran. (The MKO, tions of the revolution had been somewhat 1358: 50) provided for after the land reform, but mental conditions must be achieved through political 20) Holding Five Ceremonies and cultural work. But, the organization of In a general overview, the Iranian left-flow the Fadayi Khalq guerrillas evaluated the ceremonies contains: (A) the anniversary of theory of the Tudeh party as a "survival the establishment of the Tudeh Party; (B) theory" and charged the party with compro- Remembrance of the Dead; (C) Anniversary mise. After the June 5 events and land of the National Congress Party; (D) Interna- reform, they came to believe that only violent tional Labor Day; (E) The International An- guerrilla warfare could break the atmosphere them. of recession and stagnation in the face of po- The anniversary of the establishment of litical repression, which any kind of activity the Tudeh Party: At the anniversary of estab- is suppressed by the government. From this, lishment of the Tudeh Party ceremony, after Ahmadzadeh concluded that the stage of the the preparations for the ceremony, such as democratic revolution had ended in Iran, in the installation of red flags and the images of an article entitled "The Necessity of Armed Marx and Lenin, and so on with a certain Conflict and the Rejection of the Survival passion, introduced this party as the party of Theory" in 1970. But, in his opinion, the so- the warriors to liberate the working class ciety at the same time still did not achieve from the capitalists, the fighters for freedom, favorable conditions for the socialist revolu- independence, and national justice, and the tion. The solution he proposed was "Tudeh is party of writers, poets and popular artists. In democratic revolution". This revolution is the middle section of the ceremony, the carried out with the participation of the Tu- speaker referred to the heroic struggles of deh, led by the working class and the leading friends and comrades against colonialism,

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tyranny, and imperialism, and the sacrifices on the balance of power and political condi- they made in this holy and ideal way. In this tions of the society in public, semi-secret or ceremony, socialism was usually the way to secret forms, in a broad or limited measure. liberation and solidarity of the workers, and Workers, along with socialists and labor ac- eventually, the ceremony ended with the an- tivists, celebrate the day with demonstrations, them of the International, the anthem of the marches, gatherings in factories or out of global workers' solidarity. town, even under the guise of family parties Remembrance of the Dead ceremony: The or even during daily work at the factory with ceremony was usually held in accordance candy and chocolate etc. If permitted, during with Islamic standards. A number of Marxist the ceremony, the workers' representatives activists and lovers adored the remembrance spoke about the meaning of the May 1st, the of the deceased comrade. The ceremony be- importance of the global solidarity of the gan with the International Anthem and a workers, the difficult situation of industrial minute of silence to commemorate all the workers in cities and farmers in the country- victims of the road to socialism and commun- side, and, if the conditions were favorable, ism. At this ceremony, the biography of the the ceremony was held in public, with the dead comrade would usually be read, and the march of thousand. For example, in May of ceremony ended with the execution of sever- 1951, for the first time after 1936, the govern- al pieces of revolutionary poetry. In addition, ment had announced the worker's day legal, photographs and pictures of the dead were and the Tudeh party held marches in all major seen among the ranks. cities, and about 35,000 people marched only in Anniversary of the National Congress Tehran (Abrahamyan 2004: 393) Party: It was held annually with the participa- International Anthem: It is safe to say that tion of official members, party officials, and this song is the symbolic poetry that has liter- members of the Central Committee. The ally become eternal in the whole world. This Congress party began its work with a minute song is recorded in the name of the worker of silence to honor the mass deaths and all and reminded the worker's day. This song is the lost people in the way of country's free- in such a way that it maintains its coherent dom. Congress first evaluated the progress of rhythm, and its important features are that it the party, and then it was required to formu- can be singled out without any musical in- late the future strategy and select the mem- strument. The same thing has caused the an- bers of the Central Committee with special them to be sing in the streets and factories at commissions (Abrahamyan 2004: 352). Sub- the anniversary, commemorative ceremonies, sequently, the Congressional Electoral Com- demonstrations and strikers and workers' first mission, after counting votes, announced the of May ceremonies. The "International An- outcome of the election to Congress, and the them" is translated in all European and non- election of members of the new Central European languages. The first person who Committee was congressional approval, en- translated it in Farsi was "Abolqasem Lahouti". couraging the participating comrades. 21) Marx and Lenin International Labor Day ceremony: The Undoubtedly, Marx and Lenin are "symbolic working class held the ceremony, depending ancestors" and "spiritual father" of the left

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International Journal of Political Science, Vol 8, No 2 , Summer 2018 flow of Iran. Their thoughts and ideas were history at the Academy of Sciences of the gained and rapidly spread out in Iran by the Soviet Communist Party. In this period, the “Hemmat” group and the "Edalat" group and name of Tabarī was recorded as the symbol the Arrani group of (53), and turned into the of the "Iranian Marxist Mind" in the great "Bible of the Left flow" by the Tudeh Party, Encyclopedia of the former Soviet Union, so that departure from it until the late 60s and under the pseudonym "Shad" he wrote were accused as treason and opportunism. articles (Beizaii Farmer, 2013: 144). Tabari, The Left's flow usually used their combina- in terms of the level of thought and influence tion of ideas in terms of Marxism-Leninism, of the word, had a special place in the Ira- and for this reason recognition, investigation, nian left-flow. His was attempting to tran- analysis, and operation of their ideas in Ira- scend all phenomena and interactions in var- nian society by leaders and intellectuals has ious fields from the Marxist filter. He has always been one of the main concerns of the numerous works and articles on philosophy Iranian left-flow. Their theories and actions, and sociology from a Marxist point of view. filled all the capacity of socio-political truth, Based on the viewpoint of Tabari, history from the point of view of the left flow, and has an evolutionary and forward direction, with the thoughts of Marx and Lenin, the which is the contributing factor to the di- truth would be crooked, and no other emerg- alectics between social and economic ing truth could lead to a paradigmatic trans- classes (Tabari, 1989: 211, 200). He sought formation in the social reality. According to to reconcile the foundations of the Marxism Tabari, after Lenin, the work of reason is school rooted in the modern world with tra- nothing but the "proper alignment of Marx- ditional Iranian society. In this regard, Taba- ism-Leninism." ri's dependence on the principles of Marx- ism drives him into admiration for it as a 22) Ehsan Tabari sacred belief. Because of the precise know- Ehsan Tabari was a writer, poet, an instru- ledge of Marx's and Lenin's works, and the mental in fostering deep understanding presentation and publication of numerous of Marxist philosophy in Iran, a leading ideo- works, he became an ideologue without logue and a member of the Central 85Commi t- competing during the left-flow during the tee of the Tudeh Party during the Iranian Re- period the 37-year-old government of Mu- volutionary years. He was the most famous hammad Reza Shah Pahlavi. and prominent figure in the left-flow and the Tudeh Party of Iran. Since 1935, Tabari be- 23) Samad Behrang gan his political career in collaboration with Samad Behrangi may be considered one of the publication of the "Donya" magazine, and the most radical writers and symbolic figures in 1937 he was arrested as a member of the who believe in the ideals of the socialist left. group of 53 people. After September 1941, For the Iranian left-flow, if after the incident he was one of the founders of the Tudeh Par- of 53 people and the execution of the Tudeh ty (Maghsudi, 2007: 31). Tabari was forced Party officers, the concept of the heroism was to leave Iran after the unsuccessful assassina- virtually crumbling in the crust or in theory, tion of the Shah in 1958 and the declaration suddenly Samad Behrangi emerged as a of the illegality of the Tudeh Party in 1959, revolutionary hero. As a teacher of one of the and he fled to the Soviet Union and studied remote villages in Azerbaijan, he criticized

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the country's educational system and schools to live and I should not go to death as much and believed that the instructions of schools as I can, but if I suddenly have to face death, in Iran were only understandable for the it does not matter. What matters is that my children of the city and it would be impossi- life or death has had an effect on the lives of ble for the children of the village to under- others "(Behrangi, 1998: 43). Generally, Be- stand it. Therefore, he protested over the in- hrangi will be called a guerrilla and radical fluence of the United States on the educa- revolutionary with the "left" approach, which tional system of Iran, and suggested social assumed that righteousness, would come out justice and cultural independence with revo- only through guerrilla power and gun bullets. lutionary action, based on knowledge and For the education of a fighting generation, it experience (Behrangi, no date: 69-68) Be- is necessary, to teach, hatred and grudge hrangi is launching an all-out attack on the against the wrongdoers from an early age middle-class by identifying a new category of (Ostovar, 1392: 182). "employee" that was in the forties. In all his stories, the "employee" is a shabby inventor Conclusion who is tired of having no choice. Behrangi Flows are structured systems occupied by defends the village as a symbol of the domi- individuals, groups, organizations, and insti- nated class, but he has a revolutionary mind tutions, and are essentially a collective con- and believes in the framework that cities tract that actors make in relation to each other should be conquered or converted into uto- and then it is accepted in its entirety. Individ- pias such as the Soviet Union. "The Little uals, organizations and various socio-political Black Fish" is definitely the most famous and groups that are in the context of a stream, symbolic writings of Samad Behrangi. This whether from an obligation or an intellectual, revolutionary story was published in Tehran ideological or behavioral point of view, be- several weeks before Samad's death and prac- have like other actors within the same flow. tically became one of the most clinical works In fact, every flow gives actions, attributes, of Iranian literature for the left sympathizers or qualities of character, property, or qualities and even non-political families. Like the little to actors. That is, over time, in individuals or black fish (as a "martyr hero"), tries to reach socio-political formations, a stream flows in the sea and nearly dies and saves himself the mood of actors and, over time, in the type several times and in the end, in the epic battle of coverage, the way of speaking and re- with the Pelican (as a symbol of injustice), he peated use of certain words and concepts, the kills it and himself. This literary work was type and the way of consumption, physical greatly welcomed by the federalists and radi- gestures, presence in socio-political circles cal leftists. Some believe that the black fish is and the type of participation of people, and so the "informal manifesto" of the Fadayi Khalq on. The repetition of these similar behaviors Guerrillas. Behrangi fully tries to understand resulting from habits creates boundaries that a Marxist perspective to get the society to get allow us to distinguish one stream from other rid of oppression of tyranny and exploitation currents. Hence, the actions of activists are with the culture of sacrifice. He writes in this the result of the combination of traits and regard: "Death is very easy for me, but I have temperament on the one hand, and the oppor-

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International Journal of Political Science, Vol 8, No 2 , Summer 2018 tunities provided by the social-political cur- sometimes they did on the basis of competi- rents. One of the most important factors that tion and conflict of action. In fact, when po- directly affect the formation of habits of a litical power in the common use of the cur- stream is symbols. Each of the socio-political rents did not interfere with the symbols of currents try to produce and accumulate vari- various economic, political, cultural, reli- ous symbols as symbolic capital for durabili- gious, etc. domains, or, in other words, the ty and survival with the benefit of various distribution of symbolic goods by a just polit- domains of economy, culture, politics, reli- ical system, they operated independently and gion, art and so on. These funds are con- in combination (Such as the socio-political verted into actual situations for each stream space of the country from 1941 to 1953, in the context of a potential state, interpreted which ruled pseudo-democracy). And when in these conditions, these funds give rise to a political power ran into a particular stream sort of collective and heart belief among the and implemented with ideological devices followers of each of the processes, which such as educational apparatus, legal devices, were in a form of respect, obedience, and mass communication devices such as radio obedience, and eventually become a factor in and television, and oppressive devices such the survival and survival of each one of the as the army, the police, and the courts and streams, by the symbolic boards (leaders and prisons, "Symbolic Violence" limited or intellectuals of each stream). After the with- blocked the space for the activity and partici- drawal of Reza Shah from the country and pation of other currents, we publicly saw or the vacuum of power and charismatic leader- witnessed undercover activity (such as the ship, as in the early days of Reza Khan's socio-political environment of the country reign, once again, this thought came to a halt between 1953 and 1963) or witnessed con- by some intellectuals and people that again a flicts and intense conflicts (as in the years man in the form of a dictator would need a from 1963 to 1979) within different currents. reformer who would will save and take the In fact, people who were attributed to a country from under the boots of the super- stream, in addition to being competing in the powers like Russia, Britain and the United same flow to reach a suitable social-political States. But Muhammad Reza was young, base, at the same time, sought to collectively, raw, inexperienced and lacking in discipline while preserving their unity and solidarity, to and the potential of a symbolic and charis- overcome other competing currents (especial- matic leader. For this reason, quickly along- ly the dominant current), and pushed that side the monarchist movement, Marxist, na- flow toward collapse and decline, or to be in tionalist, and Islamist currents, were activated place. During these years, the Iranian left- which in the context of their activities was leaning flow through the use of its symbolic provided in the reign of his father. These capital in the form of the Red Flag, Sickle trends are in accordance with the political and Hammer, Red Rose, Khalq, Comrade, climate of the country and the inherent cha- strike and march, revolution, labor, justice, racter of the actors who compete for gaining Red Army, and Knotted fist. The symbolic wealth, power, reputation and prestige, on the features of the Marxist flow have been cha- basis of the guarantee of their own interests racterized by the character of the Marxist independently, in combination or comple- flow and, with the symbolic leadership and mentary, dormant and underground, and the paraphrase of Taqi Arani, Iraj Eskandari,

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Nooruddin Kianouri, and its symbolic dele- the victory of the Bolsheviks against the gations (Ehsan Tabari, Samad Behrangi, Tsarist Royal System (on December 25, etc.), became a great rival to the monarchist 1917) and the implementation of the con- current. The left-flow symbolic capitals struction plan of socialism in the country, quickly influenced character, property, atti- considered the Soviet communist system to tude, the type of speech, behavior and func- be the symbolic alternative to the regime of tion, physical gestures, and the type of cover- the Pahlavi regime and its ideal utopia, age of followers of this flow, so that each through which exploitation and oppression, person might easily be psychologically and the bourgeoisie and the ruling class of the sociologically the same, it is necessary for bourgeoisie were defeated. Using the theoret- the actors of this current to be different to the ical and practical possibilities of Marxism- actions of other actors in this period. The Soviet Leninism and Asian and Latin Ameri- main axes of the movement and activities of ca Maoism and they came to the conclusion groups, parties and other entities attributed to that the imperialist Pahlavi regime that was the left flow from 1941 to 1979 are a kind of dependent to the US would the only disap- equality of people in political and economic pear by adopting the strategy of guerrilla and rights, government involvement in economic revolutionary radicalism and creating aware- affairs for the benefit of the public, the em- ness and unity between the working class and phasis on anti-colonial internationalism, the the rural. Left-wing leaders such as Ehsan fight against the profligacy of capitalism, the Tabari and Samad Behrangi etc. using the use of revolutionary and guerrilla methods potential in the context of the flow of Marx- was dependent to overthrow the Pahlavi re- ism as a symbolic board, promoted the crea- gime as a symbol of the bourgeois apparatus. tion of symbolic concepts in the scientific For this reason, the organization of the Fa- and public circles of the left, and at the same dayi Khalq and MKO's Guerrillas did not time, they were able to pursue three major neglect the removal of individuals attributed goals. First, this flow was seen as a dominant to the royal oligarchy and capitalism, hence, stream of rivals and flux as a stream that has the blackmail event of 1970, the bombing of a very high potential for producing, reproduc- the US intelligence agency, the building of ing and interpreting the symbol. This would the Iranian-American Association and the satisfy the material and spiritual needs of the Building of the Iran-British Cultural Rela- activists. For instance, the symbolic concept tions Association in Tehran on May 1, 1973, of the revolution was specific to the left, the Assassination of Lt. Col. Louis A. Haw- which was often used by the leaders and kins, American Naval Guard Commander, on ideologues of the Marxist movement to moti- June 2, 1973, and the assassination of Ameri- vate and stimulate supporters as well as the can engineers Rockwell International, Donald transformation and transformation of the po- Smith, Robert Crownard, and William Cathe- litical system. This was while the monar- rell on September 6, was organized and con- chist's flow was also benefited by the enorm- ducted by the hands of the associations and ous impact of this concept on the evocative groups affiliated with the left flow. The lead- meaning of the word 'white revolution' in the ers of the left-wing movement, considering context of the implementation of comprehen-

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International Journal of Political Science, Vol 8, No 2 , Summer 2018 sive reforms. Indeed, while in both processes role of the symbol in traditional Ira- the concept of revolution was very popular, nian art; Tehran: Payame Noor Pub- but the interpretations that were made were lishing completely different and unlike each other. Bashiriyeh, Hussein (2011) History of Politi- Second, by creating and producing more cal Thoughts of the Twentieth Cen- symbols in the course of Marxism, the habits tury, C 1, Marxist Ideas, Tehran: Ney of this flow became more and more recogniz- Publishing able, and thus the activists of other currents Behrangi, Samad (1998), Samad Behrangi's absorbed the type of attitude, property, and Tales, by Alizadeh, Tehran, Ferdowsi behavior of the symbolic leaders and intellec- Publishing tuals of the left. Third, by increasing the Behrangi, Samad (no date) Understanding number of new symbols and interpretations Issues in Iran, Tehran, Shabgir Pub- of them by symbolic bodies and attracting lishing actors to the flow of Marxism, its survival Behzadi, Roqiyeh (2001), "The Symbol of and survival rate was as high as it was. In Mythology: The Culture of Iconic fact, one of the most important reasons for Symbols in the Art of the East and the dynamism of the Pahlavis era was the the West," the Month of Art, August continuation of the Pahlavis period until the and August. collapse of Mohammad Reza Shah's rule, the Bianchi, C & Gieri, M. (2009), "Eco’s Semi- powerful existence of intellectuals and sym- otic Theory", cited in New Essays on bolic leaders, and the creation and interpreta- Umberto Eco, Cambridge, Cam- tion of symbols. bridge University Press Eco, Umberto (2008), Semiotics, translation References of Pirooz Yazdi, Tehran, Sales Publi- A group of scholars (2008), the Tudeh Party cation from the formation to the collapse Farrokhi Yazdi, Mohammad, (2001), Divan (1320 - 1368), Tehran: Institute for Farrokhi Yazdi, in an effort by Political Studies and Research Hossein Maserrat, Tehran, Qatreh Abrahamyan, Yervand (2004), Iran between Publishing the two Revolutions, translation by Fordham, Frida, (1966), Introduction to Ahmad Gol Mohammadi, Tehran, Jung's psychology; translation of Ney Publishing Masoud Mirbaha; Tehran, Ashrafi Ahmadi, Babak (2001), Text structure and Publishing text, Tehran Islem Javadi, Mohammad and Amir Nikpey, Algooneh, Jonaghani, Massoud (2016), (2010), "The Idea and Concept of "Umberto Eco and the Poetic Semio- Structuralism by Investigating the tics Foundation", Literature, First Votes of the Saussure of Leo Estr- Year Publication ous", Cultural, Social, First Year, No Baghi, Gholam Hossein (no date), Motiva- 3 tion, Shiraz, Mostafavi Printing Jenkins, Richard (2005), Pierre Bourdieu, House translated by Leila Afshani and Has- Bahmani, Elaheh and Elias Zafarani, (2010), san Chavoshian, Tehran, Ney Pub- the evolution and development of the lishing

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