Imagining Iran: Contending Political Discourses in Modern Iran
IMAGINING IRAN: CONTENDING POLITICAL DISCOURSES IN MODERN IRAN By MAJID SHARIFI A DISSERTATION PRESENTED TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA 2008 1 © Majid Sharifi 2 “To Sheki, Annahitta, and Ava with Love” 3 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I am very grateful and deeply indebted to many people whose assistance made this project possible. First and foremost, I thank my wife, Sheki, whose patience and support were indispensable. I also thank my two daughters, Annahitta and Ava, for the sacrifices each made on my behalf. Two years of research have gone into this dissertation, which would not have been possible without the indispensable influence, guidance, direction, and inspiration of the people in the Department of Political Science at the University of Florida. I must thank Professor Goran Hyden, who influenced my decision in starting the Ph.D. program in 2003. Without Professor Hyden, I probably would have stayed in Miami. I am most indebted to Professor Ido Oren, who stimulated my initial interest in the politics of identity, interpretative epistemology, and the significance of history. During the past two years, Dr. Oren has spent numerous hours listening, reading, and constructively criticizing my work. Without Professor Oren, my approach would have been less bold and more conventional. Professor Oren taught me innovative ways of looking at history, politics, and identities. Most significantly, I am grateful to Professor Leann Brown who has been the guidepost for directing this research. Whenever I was in need of guidance or inspiration, her office was my first and only destination.
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