World Studies Newsletter Contents

Publication of the International and Public Interview Relations Office, Faculty of World Studies, - Interview with Dr. Nahid Pourrostami ...... 3 University of Tehran - Interview with Hormoz Roshan-Ravesh ...... 7 Spring & Summer 2018 Managing Director: Prof. Saied Reza Ameli - Interview with Hajar Jarast ...... 8 Executive Director: Zahra Jalalzade Special News The editor: Alireza Salehi Nejad - UT President Visited FWS on Teachers’ Day Ceremony...... 10 The Translator: Seyed Javad Hashemi - Meetings of the Board of Directors and Deans of the Faculty of World Studies and Contributors to this volume: Zahra Faculty of Geography ...... 14 Jalalzade, Zahra Kalhor, Dr. Elaheh - Venezuela Cultural Week at the Faculty of World Studies ...... 16 Nourigholamizadeh - Dr. Zekrgoo’s Book Launching Ceremony ...... 18 Address: Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran, North Campus, Meetings with individuals from Iran and Other Countries at the FWS ...... 21 Northern Kargar Ave. Tehran, Iran Honors ...... 29 P.O. Box: 143983119 Lectures, workshops, and conferences ...... 35 Tel/Fax: +98 (21) 88 630 862 Top Education News ...... 49 Website: http://fws.ut.ac.ir Faculty Members’ Academic Activities ...... 50 E-mail: [email protected] FWS Students’ Academic Activities ...... 51 Book Presentation ...... 52 International Conferences and Participation ...... 54 PhD Dissertations ...... 55 MA Theses ...... 55 A List of Women’s Studies Associations and Centers (First List) ...... 60 Ceremonies ...... 65 Appointments ...... 69

Spring & Summer 2018 World Studies Newsletter 3

Interview

Interview with Dr. Nahid Pourrostami FWS Associate Dean for Education, Research and Postgraduate Studies

Science, Research and Technology. In 2014, she became the Director General of Budgeting and Organization of the Ministry of Science, and a member of the University Planning Council. Since 2016, she is the Associate Dean for Education, Research and Postgraduate Studies at the Faculty of World Studies.

Faculty of World Studies (FWS): Dear Dr. Pourrostami we are glad to feature you in this issue of the FWS Newsletter. Regarding your brilliant academic background, you have played a significant Dr. Nahid Pourrostami, born in Ardebil, got accepted role in the activities of the University of Tehran and into the University of Tehran in 1990 to pursue theoretical particularly at the Faculty of World Studies. Tell us economics, and graduated in 1994 at the top of the class. about your view about the Faculty and its background. In 1997, she succeeded in obtaining her M.A. degree in Dr. Nahid Pourrostami (NP): Well, first of all, the same field, and simultaneously started working as an thank you for providing me with this opportunity at expert at the then Tehran Provincial Plan and Budget the beginning of this academic year. Actually, I see a Organization. Getting more experienced, she started bright future for the Faculty for three reasons. One is working at the Iranian Presidential Office for Economic due to the increasing importance of interdisciplinary Studies in 1998. courses, the value and application of which will In 2001, she achieved the first rank to be accepted at the gradually become clearer over time in our country. Pure University of Tehran to pursue her Ph.D. and at the same courses and specialized courses as well, have a special time was responsible for the management of the scientific significance and a long history, but in our educational documents and archive of the then Management and system, we did not have any interdisciplinary courses Budget Organization. In 2008, she headed the department in humanities and particularly in fields such as social of futures studies at the Institute of Management and sciences and economics. In the current world, with Planning Search, till late 2008, when she was transferred regards to the complexity of issues, we need specialists to the University of Tehran. Since 2009, she has been with the ability to pay attention to different aspects of working as a faculty member of the Department for subjects. Japan Studies at the Faculty of World Studies. Second is due to the importance of countries’ In 2013, she became the advisor to the chief studies and the in-detail (not general) study of their and general manager of the Planning, Budget and experiences and challenges. Studying the experiences Organizational Transformation of the University of of other countries has always been important, but the Tehran, and the adviser to the Deputy Minister of fact that the University of Tehran has entered into

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this field, in the form of academic courses and with Education, Research and Postgraduate Studies, last an interdisciplinary approach, is very important. The year, the Faculty took two important steps in attracting patterns and solutions being used by those countries more faculty members and also in increasing the should be studied carefully. Such studies provide a number of Ph.D. programs to six disciplines. What basis for training specialists to solve the country’s else is there to do for the development of the Faculty? problems with sustainable, long-term solutions. We NP: Yes, it was indeed due to the grace of God and hope that our faculty graduates will find solutions the help of our colleagues at the Central Office of the through research and the study of the experiences of University and the Faculty. In addition to the American different countries. Studies Program, this year, the faculty could obtain The third reason is due to the increasing importance the authorization for accepting Ph.D. students for of international relations. The importance of having five more programs including Iranian, Indian, French, good international relations is already showing its British, and Russian Studies. The proposals for the value. For this reason, when an executive body, such four programs of Indian, French, British, and Russian as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Ministry of Studies go back to three years ago. The proposal for Economics, has a labor force with communication the Iranian Studies program had been approved earlier skills and fluency in languages, also familiar with and just awaited a brief review. culture and history of the target countries; then they Hopefully, in 1396, the programs were re- can provide a better basis for communication, whether proposed and four programs could receive the needed in the field of business relations and economics, and authorization by the University Council. The program not to mention in the political sphere as well. for Indian Studies has not yet been approved due to The more we move forward, we see that the country’s inadequate relevant information to the Ministry of executive, and scientific branches are discovering the Science. I mentioned this to remind you the difficult growing importance of having experts who are familiar procedure of authorizing new programs. with language, culture, and economy of countries; According to the five-year program of the Faculty, therefore our graduates will be more demanded by the we have proposed for the establishment of those country’s executive and scientific bodies. Therefore, Ph.D. programs that there is a need for them, and it from the perspective of future demands, the demand has been six to seven years since we ran their master for recruiting our faculty graduates will be increased. degree programs, as a result the number of their MA In the case of a qualified workforce, I must say that, in graduates have reached a certain sufficient number. the second five-year program, the faculty will provide For example, we could not reach to this number for the facilities to respond this need. Hopefully, in last year, MA graduates of the Japan Studies program, which is a we succeeded in recruiting more faculty members with relatively new one in the Faculty. Hopefully, we would different specializations on different countries, and we continue pursuing the authorization for receiving can say that our specialized need is somehow being Ph.Ds. students for Indian Studies for the next year. provided. This has increased the potential for offering However, I think it is equally important, if not various courses and new programs and even the more important, to establish other M.A. programs number of Ph.D. programs have seen an increase. We such as Turkish studies, Saudi Arabia studies, and hope that we would continue moving forward. From Chinese studies, which are very important for Iran this perspective, my prediction is that the horizon and the region. Proposals of these programs have been looks brighter for the Faculty. prepared and are yet to be approved. We hope that FWS: As you mentioned earlier, thanks to great we will be able to receive the authorization of these efforts of yours and your collogues at the Office of three disciplines by 2018-19. These three countries

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are strategically very important and having enough In the direction towards the internationalization, knowledge of them is a priority. increasing social responsibility, the green university There are also some plans for running joint and the likes, there are many qualitative indicators international programs. We hope we would sign relevant included in the third program of the University. agreements with the world’s leading universities, as it There is a look at the University that the Faculty of is part of the University’s international development World Studies is one of the most important faculties program. I believe that this capacity exists in the for realizing some of the goals of University plans, Faculty of World Studies; so that it can take effective especially with regards to internationalization. steps to achieve the goals in the University’s mandate. Therefore, in the plan, simultaneously we have The plan for establishing bachelor degree programs focused on quality indicators as well; and given the in World Studies is also underway. A primary study infrastructure and the capacity that we have at the has been carried out and offered at various sessions of faculty, like the mastery of professors and students on councils and committees of the Faculty and has been different languages, we hope to realize the expected approved by the Graduate Council. However, we plan goals of the University. to run these programs jointly. However, due to some aspects, such as budgeting, We need to make consistency with the internal little attention is paid to qualitative indicators. We have procedures of the Faculty in order to improve the made some suggestions in this regard and we hope quality of education. Performing actions such as them to be included. Quantitative goals, such as the reviewing and updating programs is one of those number of students per each academic year, are really actions that we hope will achieve good results. one of the things that may be misleading. Of course, FWS: One important thing about the Faculty our faculty should also try to somehow increase its of World Studies is that the classes are held in the capacity and attract more students, but not so many language of the country under study. This educational that the quality falls. This is what, in my opinion, is a indicator, although important in making graduates threat to us in the financial system of the University, more successful in the labor market, yet restricts the and we should refrain from these kinds of threat. students’ choices, because language proficiency is There is a good potential for attracting foreign one of the key parameters of admission to the faculty. students at the Faculty of World Studies, which is not Since the criterion for evaluations and academic scores limited to Iranian studies Program. There is no reason is quantitative, and quality is sometimes sacrificed for this limitation, and we have to be able to offer our for quantity, then what is your suggestion for a better courses in a way that students from other countries policy making in this regard. could apply for our different programs. In my opinion, NP: This contradiction only exists in appearance. if we could expand this capacity, the international We have discussed the issue in numerous sessions indicators of the university will improve, and our with the heads of departments and their faculty financial issues will somehow be resolved. members. In any case, the University has to take a FWS: Your expertise is economics. Since the series of quantitative indicators, since they can be beginning of this year, in a smart move, you are more easily calculated and evaluated, but it does not holding a series of weekly expert seminars on mean that the University only values quantitative economic developments. In the current situation of indicators. However, it seems that in some cases, the economic troubles in the country, what is the mission quantitative indicators appeared to be more important. of the University and the Faculty of World Studies in Of course, the quality indicators are also desirable for confronting it? the university. NP: The issues we are facing now are very

Faculty of World Studies University of Tehran Spring & Summer 2018 6 World Studies Newsletter Interview with Dr. Nahid Pourrostami

complicated. We need to develop comprehensive I hope that by the grace of God, the study of other plans for solving current problems. I believe that the countries will lead us to an appropriate pattern. international experience and the experiences of some FWS: As the final question, what are your countries are very useful and practical. Personally, recommendations for students, especially for first-year my focus is on the experience of Japan’s economic students, in the beginning of the new academic year? development. These experiences contain programs NP: Anyway, we are teachers, and as always we that are available at no cost for the people and the advise students to study and not to pay much attention government. Our cultural capacity is such that we can to marginal issues. In the current situation, due to use this capacity and reduce these issues that have existing information technologies and social networks, come onto the Iranian economy and, unfortunately, which, of course, has their own positive aspects; yet come from different dimensions. communication has become too much of a distraction. The experience of other countries is indeed important However, it also has a negative side and may be in this sector. A series of meetings are taking place at harmful and take the opportunity of research and study the Faculty; actually we are studying the experience from students. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of of different countries for the purpose of reviewing the disciplines in the Faculty of World Studies, it is the history of economic development and achieving necessary for the students to study and research a lot a suitable and indigenous model for development. and to face a variety of dimensions which have not Our effort is to address other countries’ economic been worked yet. The only advice I can make is to have plans and also their socio-cultural-political conditions. a great plan. Finally, I advise all my dear colleagues Anyway, the attendees of these seminars, whether as a and students to exercise; to give special attention to speaker or as an audience member, are futures of our sports, along with lessons and research. country. I hope that with these talks we would reach the Another point is that we, as academicians, do not appropriate indigenous model for Iran. spread negative information. It doesn’t mean that we As far as I am familiar with the academic should not inform each other, but sometimes negative environment of the Faculty of Economics, theories news can be repetitive. Sometimes not spreading are taught very well. Professors are graduates of negative information can be preventive and can calm different universities with different approaches, yet to us down. Some believe that we should talk about false study other countries’ social, historical, and cultural or negative information among the people and regard background is a novel thing. We can create and refine it as an educational matter. I believe that educational this approach in the Faculty of the World Studies and points can be transmitted in other ways as well. examine the economic policies of countries in their Anyway we are living in this country. Our society is a historical and cultural context. safe society in relation to other societies. At least, as I believe that the gradual reflection and study of the a scientific and academic community and through the experiences of other countries will lead us to the right view of hope, we must try to expand the strong points solutions. These seminars are held as often as possible. of our culture and our country and remind ourselves to Up until now, the experiences of various countries, try to revive it. including Japan, Russia, Iraq, Britain, and the United The promotion of the positive aspects of our States, have been examined at these meetings. In the civilization is one of the major responsibilities of recent discussion of the United States, we have found the intellectual and academic community that I hope that there are many complexities, and other aspects of we are all fully aware of it. Hopefully, our young American issues needs to be reviewed as well, so that generation will commence this work. we can better understand American economic policies. FWS: Thank you for your time.

Faculty of World Studies University of Tehran Spring & Summer 2018 World Studies Newsletter 7

Hormoz Roshan-Ravesh Head of Accounting Office at the Faculty of World Studies

Due to the closing of the fiscal year, in the months of Bahman, Isfand, Farvardin, Ordibehesht and Khurdad, we are busy calculating the financial statements. At the end of each month, we also reconcile differences between bank statements with that of the Faculty. FWS: What are your takes and expectations of the Faculty? HR: Using comparative studies of over 50 universities in the world, now the Faculty of World Studies has become a very important faculty. Concerning the current economic problems of the Hormoz Roshan-Ravesh has more than 26 years of country, we hope to increase the revenues of the working experience as accountant at the University of faculty and be able to pay the honorable professors and Tehran; within different faculties including the faculties employees of the Faculty, in terms of their research of Language & Literature, Economics, and Environment. and teaching payments and their extra works. Currently, he is working as the head of accounting office FWS: Do you have a memory of your work for the at the Faculty of World Studies. readers of this newsletter? HR: It was in 1384 when we had calculated all the Faculty of World Studies (FWS): Mr. Roshan, we are salaries and uploaded them into the Faculty system, glad to feature you in this issue of the FWS academic and we sent the list for the University finance office to newsletter. The financial sector is one of the major pay out them by the twentieth of the month. It was the and busiest parts of each department and organization, summer season and vacations were nearing. in which all groups of employees, academics, and For the vacations, I went to Khalkhal (my students, each with certain attitudes and needs, deal hometown) for a five-day leave. One day, on a with you in a way or other. What is your approach in Tuesday, I was summoned by the University’s your work that makes you the happiest member of the finance office because the salary list provided had Faculty? some errors, and it was necessary to make some Hormoz Roshan-Ravesh (HR): In the finance office modifications from Tehran’s General Insurance of the Faculty, we are working hard to deal with Administration. Because of the sensitivity of the financial affairs of the students, the faculty members, issue, and the paying out of the salaries of my and the staff, without any discrimination or bias. I dear colleagues, I immediately returned to Tehran consider them family members and treat them like my that night. When I arrived in the morning, the own family. University’s guard said, “Where are you going in FWS: What is your busiest time in the accounting such a hurry?” When he saw my surprise and my department? haste, he continued: “due to air pollution, Tehran is HR: Usually the financial and accounting office closed on Wednesday and Thursday!” is working hard all year round to make things work. FWS: Thank you for your time.

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Hajar Jarast MA Student of Russian Studies at the Faculty of World Studies

Hajar Jarast, MA student of Russian Studies at the Spanish. In addition, because of her personal interest Faculty of World Studies, holds a BS in Computer in neuroscience and brain anatomy, she is interested Science (2009) and has plenty of experiences in in reading on these topics as well. various fields such as animation, programming, translation and teaching. In 2012, due to her interest Faculty of World Studies (FWS): Ms. Jarast, great in learning a new foreign language, and after many to have you in this periodical. You are one of the years outside the academic atmosphere, she got most active students at the Faculty, where you have accepted at the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad to been a very influential volunteer. What has been study Russian Language. In the second year of her your motive for your involvement and activism? B.A., she became acquainted with Russian Studies, Hajar Jarast (HJ): Great to be with you and and while continuing her coursework she became thank you for your kind introduction. I should point interested in the study of other regions. Hence, in out that throughout my education at my different 2017, she participated in University Entrance Exam universities; I have always tried to voluntarily take and was accepted to the program in Russian Studies part in cultural programs and extracurricular events. at the University of Tehran’s Faculty of World Studies Taking part in activities not only has contributed to (FWS). Throughout her studies, she maintained my own personal satisfaction but also has made my herself more occupied by working freelance. Ms. academic career more joyful. Although, throughout Jarast also learned graphic design, and in addition my academic journey I have had many troubles to Russian language, she learned English, and some and difficulties. Anyway, I’m a strong believer that

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anyone in any type of situation should always try moral character and the sincerity of the professors to improve his or her condition, so that condition and faculty members; the FWS provides a favorable becomes favorable for her/him and for others as environment. The FWS has a great library, computer well; as the saying goes, “instead of complaining room, gym, and the likes for the students, where about the dark, light a candle”. they could participate in cultural and extracurricular FWS: Since, you have studied at various activities. universities and hold various degrees, then what is FWS: What is your recommendation for the your take on studying at the FWS as a current M.A. new students who are beginning the new semester? student in Russian Studies? HJ: First of all, my greetings and congratulations HJ: The FWS is centered on research; it places to all those students who could pass the entrance expectations on the student to primarily focus on exam and interviews. The first point is that the the subjects of research. The courses offered and the environment of the MA is completely different coursework assigned are formulated in a way that from the BA/BS level, and special attention should keeps research at the center of the learning process. be made as the MA requires more focus and FWS: For you, what is the most important trait concentration on research. Even more important of the FWS? is that the student should take advantage of every HJ: This faculty, compared to the other opportunity to enthusiastically participate in faculties, is one of the most recent faculties of the academic events. Thus because of the arena that University of Tehran. Yet, its mission and goals, its the students are in, they, with steadfastness, should design and form of management, its administering endeavor to complete their journey ahead in its best and implementation of everything—from the study way. Nevertheless, the best advisors to the students programs to the orientation of the students—the are their kind professors. The extracurricular offering of the courses, and other aspects such as activities and the opportunities to build and develop the teaching style of the professors, including the new relationships with others will help them with deputy deans, are all exceptional! new experiences, leading to the expansion of their Since the FWS offers only MA and PhD levels views and contributing to the joy they need to of studies, it is a professional and specialized develop in order to be more devoted to their studies. environment, specifically because of the good FWS: Thank you for your time.

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Special News

UT President Visited FWS on Teachers’ Day Ceremony

• The establishment of the a committee for authorizing credit and budget; • The establishment of a Faculty academic committee focused on the Third Plan of the UT and its international and entrepreneurial capacities; • Planning for 13 discipline programs and obtaining approval for five new Doctoral programs of Iranian Studies, Russian Studies, British Studies, Indian Studies, French Studies, and recruiting 13 new On the occasion of the Teachers’ Day on 5th of May, faculty members; Prof. Mahmoud Nili-Ahmadabadi, the President of the • Updating the curriculum of three out of seven University of Tehran met with the academic members disciplines at the FWS; of the Faculty at the FWS Mellal Hall. The Dean of • Holding various academic conferences and meetings, the FWS, Prof. Saied Reza Ameli, some other faculty as well as seminars in relation to the conditions of members along with two representatives of students in the FWS and its courses; addition to some foreign students of the Iranian Studies • Offering new models to the studies by the Faculty MA Program welcomed Dr. Nili with a bouquet of Professors’ personal experiences about other flowers. countries. In this ceremony, more than 150 scientific works, Dr. Amir Bahram Arabahmadi, International accolades, publications and translations by professors Advisor of the FWS, welcomed and paid tribute to the and students of the Faculty, along with academic President of the University of Tehran, Dr. Mahmoud articles, periodicals, pamphlets, thesis, and a collection Nili-Ahmadabadi, and mentioned several noteworthy of invaluable books donated to the FWS Library, were achievements of the FWS in 2017, including: presented to the President of the University of Tehran • Wide range of activities, despite the rather small size by the Director of the Library, Dr. Fariba Afkari, in the of the FWS, as compared to those of the great and FWS foyer. well-known world universities; At the onset of the Teachers’ Day ceremony, Dr. • Publishing six consecutive academic periodicals, both Ameli welcomed and paid tribute to the UT President, in Farsi and English; Dr. Mahmoud Nili-Ahmadabadi, as well as other • Publishing the FWS Brochure in English and Farsi, professors in attendance, and recognized and praised with its Arabic, Russian, and Spanish versions in the University for its focus on its three-pronged goals process; which consists of raising its global prestige, developing its national and international entrepreneurship and its commitment to social standards and responsibilities. Then, Dr. Nahid Pourostami, Associate Dean of Research, Education and Postgraduate Studies at the FWS, also welcomed the honorable President of the University of Tehran, and briefly presented a review of academic achievements of the FWS Faculty members as followed:

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• Issuing of the brochures of the Institute of American Studies and the Iranian Studies program; • Publishing student prospectus in the fall of 2017; • Producing nearly seven introductory videos both in English and Farsi about the FWS and uploading them on YouTube and Aparat websites; • Holding over 65 international conferences and seminars, hosting prominent Iranian and international thinkers; • Hosting over 43 dialogues and talks with foreign universities; think-tanks, delegations, foreign university chairs, • The existence of big-data in terms of “vision” not and a number of ministers of cultural affairs; “skill”; • Authorizing three new memos of understanding • Establishing a web-surfing platform and role for users; between the FWS and Turkish universities this year; • The need for interaction and communication with • Producing high volumes of academic literature the rest of the universities so that students are not (exhibited in the foyer of the faculty); limited in completing their remaining credits in one • Holding numerous UNESCO conferences; single university system; • Holding various photo exhibitions and conferences; • The growth of the university is bound to academic • Holding various film and review sessions; motivation and dynamism but we are witnessing • Arranging an academic field trip for the student to that there remains a stagnation in the responses to Malaysia and Singapore; the needs of the student” • And arranging an academic field trip for eight Faculty Dr. Aliakbar Alikhani, Head of Department of West members to St. Petersburg, Russia; Asia and North Africa Studies, sees the results of both In this very welcoming conference, Faculty humanities and social sciences in contrast to those of the members outlined the three goals of the FWS in its natural sciences, such as medical, technological, and Third Plan. Initially, Dr. Younes Shokrkhah, Head of the engineering sciences, stating that humanities and social Department for European Studies, emphasized that the sciences are process-based and grounded in gradualism. realization of the three goals of the FWS (development, Thus, he pointed to the achievements from a Conference entrepreneurship, and social responsibility) is on Ethics and Social Responsibility last year. Then, Dr. conditioned to the following: Alikhani suggested that university subjects should be • The responsibility of the FWS does not lie in arranged according to the evolution of the university “community” but in “society”, yet our universities and its social responsibility, stating that studies in still does not have clear missions; the fields such as those of Turkish Studies and Saudi • Intellectual property economics as a standard for all Arabian Studies will be established soon. In addition, Dr. Alikhani stated that graduates of the Dept. for West Asia and North Africa Studies have all entered the job market, and that there still remain high demands for students in these fields. Additionally, he appreciated the President of the UT, Dr. Mahmoud Nili-Ahmadabadi, and the Dean of the FWS, Dr. Ameli. Furthermore, for their efforts in this regard. Dr. Alikhani also announced the establishment of a permanent secretariat of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), where an MA program in the fields of Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution is in development, being that it

Faculty of World Studies University of Tehran Spring & Summer 2018 12 World Studies Newsletter UT President Visited FWS on Teachers’... is considered of absolute priority in both national and motivated professors as a priority. international terms. Alikhani stated that our gains in the Dr. Mohammad Samiei, Head of the Iranian Studies, field of Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution should in speaking about the process of the UT demonstrating take shape within the framework of the established its global reach, stated how the FWS is a pioneer in professionalism of the UT. He also stated that there this field with lots of valuable experiences. The FWS needs to be a raising of the quality of the UT in the attracts the best professors and students from the best development of the student, instead of the quantity of world universities. Nevertheless, Dr. Samiei pointed students. out some of the problems facing foreign students Dr. Zohre Kharazmi, a new Faculty member of studying in Iran: the FWS in American Studies Program emphasized • Complications and delays in the issuing of student the need for redefining the University in its civilian visas and the disorganizations in the Ministry of identity cycle. Dr. Kharazmi credits the advancement of Science; positive changes and development to the employment • Long bureaucratic processes for return visas; of non-governmental organizations at the national and • Exchange rate complications; international levels. • Long delays in issuing certificates and diplomas; Dr. Hojatollah Ayoubi, Associate Professor of the • Difficulty in paying tuitions and fees; French Studies Program, considers the FWS as a unique Dr. Samiei recommended that, beside the Office of place. Apart from his high appreciation of Dr. Ameli’s International Affairs, a working group be formed very sophisticated and cultured vision in establishing the soon. Likewise in order to improve the international FWS with the aim of introducing Iran to the world, Dr. image of the University, he recommended Ph.D. Ayoubi stated that not many countries are able to do this. scholarships be awarded for international applicants. Dr. Ayoubi considers the cooperation with NGOs as a Dr. Jahangir Karami, Head of the Russian, Central symbol of power in the 21st century. Dr. Ayoubi sees Asia and the Caucasus Studies Program noted the FWS as a strong muscle of the UT in international the neglect at holding undergraduate level which arena that can be a carrier of its cultural and academic refrains the University students from entering into message through its diverse student population, and its the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Dr. Karami said that knowledge and command of different languages. despite over 5,500 governmental and nongovernmental Dr. Mohhamad-Reza Saied-Abadi, Associate organizations with nearly half a million workforce, Professor of British Studies, regarded the issuing of the role of Iran in this arena is very weak, suggesting the University performance report by the President that to develop an effective lead, with a presence in Office of the University in 1396 as a good tradition to international organizations, the University should continue, and offered three suggestions: adopt this stance especially in the subjects dealing with • The international mandate of the UT has not taken international affairs. center stage - it is still on the margins; it has not At the end of the Teachers’ Day ceremony, the been realized in the different areas and fields of UT President Dr. Mohamoud Nili Ahmadabadi, in the University. Plans for internationalization of the addition to his admiration and praise for the professors University should be in a synthesis with other plans; of the FWS, stated that Iran- a country of 80 million, • The University of Tehran is the only university in the ranking 17th in the world economy- in order to become world, which has seven UNESCO Chairs Programs. successful, needs to raise its rank in academics through This potentiality should be better actualized. the methods in networking. Dr. Nili stated: “raising • In addition to his appreciation for the formation the international position is not merely an issue of of a committee for communication with other quantity, but if we want the Islamic Republic of Iran to universities, he insists on the formation of a be successful, it needs to enter into academic networks committee for communicating with international and have mutual partnerships.” organizations. He considers the use of young and He criticized the fact that still foreign students are

Faculty of World Studies University of Tehran Spring & Summer 2018 Special News World Studies Newsletter 13 viewed as “guests”, and there is a long and laborious path ahead concerning the existing organizational, institutional and worldview differences between the UT and other institutions. He added: “university is an institution where many security, culture and political concerns can be eliminated. Thus, various faculties can embark on a friendlier path.” Dr. Nili also mentioned that student and professor exchanges, and joint research projects between countries are not considered Also, the number of visiting professors, as well as necessary. international professors, should multiply.” He continued: “The world is changing at a rapid Towards the end of the gathering, Dr. Nili thanked pace. The university should be a herald, a pioneer. We Dr. Ameli, as he reiterated that the FWS activities should be able to predict events before they occur, and are inspiring, and added that it merits a favorable be able to offer solutions.” The path of establishing acceptable position of a comprehensive faculty. At this trend relies on offering rewards in each one of the the end, he wrote the following on the University’s proceedings, stating: “The UT has many tools at the commemoration book: “In the name of God, the most professors’ disposal, but the missions and objectives Compassionate, and most Merciful. Today on the 5 of should be based and organized on the appropriate needs May, on this occasion of Teachers’ Day, I was present of the University. The criteria for accepting students at the Faculty of World Studies, and became more should be changed according to students’ role.” He acquainted with its developments and achievements. added that an adequate budget should be allocated to The success of the FWS is very pleasing and it owes PhD students, so they need not to rely on second jobs its success to the collaboration between the members to pay for their educational tuition and fees. He also of the faculty members, the staff, and the students. recalled the budgetary law section “d” which guarantees With best wishes and success, UT, FWS, May 5, research credit on the condition of cooperation with 2018.” industry, stating: “40% of the research budget should At the end of the gathering, Dr. Ameli said that in be allocated to this field, and 60% should be earmarked the light of our collective sympathy and cooperation, for doctoral, postdoctoral, and masters’ students, and we could realize great ideals, and any of our successes researchers.” are due to God’s blessings and to engendering a Dr. Nili gave news of the approval of the research friendly atmosphere coupled to our professionalism. regulations for the near future, and concluded his Dr. Ameli thanked the President of the University of speech: “international standing, entrepreneurship, Tehran and the other members of the Faculty for a and the social responsibility of the University are year of hard work and efforts, and on behalf of all intertwining issues, and should be institutionalized in Faculty members gave a Certificate of Appreciation a very simple form, not in a superficial marginal way. to Dr. Nili.

Faculty of World Studies University of Tehran Spring & Summer 2018 14 World Studies Newsletter

Meetings of the Board of Directors and Deans of the Faculty of World Studies and Faculty of Geography

With the aim of implementing the provisions of the accompanied; Dr. Ebrahim Moghimi, Dean of the MoU between the Faculty of World Studies and the Faculty of Geography, with Dr. Seyed Saeid Reza Faculty of Geography, and the establishment of an Ameli, Dean of the Faculty of World Studies, Dr. undergraduate degree at the FWS, a session for the Nahid Pourrstami, Associate Dean for Education, exchange of views was held between members of Research and Postgraduate Studies, Dr. Seyed the two faculties on 7 May 2018, at the Mellal Hall Mohammad Marandi, Head of the Department of the Faculty of World Studies. of American Studies, Dr. Younes Shoukrkhah, The meeting was attended by Dr. Mojtaba Head of the Department of British Studies, Dr. Ghadiri Deputy for Administration and Finance Mohammad Samiei, Head of the Department of Office of the Faculty of Geography; Dr. Seyed Iranian Studies, Dr. Amir Bahram Arabahmadi, Nazem Alavipanah Head of the GIS; Dr. Seyed International Consultant of the Faculty of World Abbas Ahmadi Deputy of Student and Cultural Studies, Dr. Mohammad Reza Saeedabadi, Head Affairs and Member of the Geographic Planning of the Department of South and East Asia and Committee of the Ministry of Science, Research, the Pacific Studies, and Dr. Ehsan Rasulinejad, and Technology, Dr. Ali Akbar Shamsipour, Director associate professor of the Department of Russian of the Department of Geography, Dr Farshad Amir- Studies. Salmani, International Consultant of the Faculty At the beginning, Dr. Ameli, in honor of of Geography, Dr. Hossein Mansourian, Faculty Teachers’ Day, paid tribute to the members and Member of the Urban Planning Department and those in attendance and explained a brief history Public Affairs Officer of the Faculty of Geography, of the Faculty of World Studies. Dr. Ameli, stated

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that career prospects are high for graduates of all should consider itself part of the international disciplines from the FWS and most of them have community and world. been joined into the labor market. He said that Dr. Amir Aslani pointed out the rise in world the purpose of the FWS in establishing a bachelor rankings of the Faculty of Geography, in the QS degree is to train BA students for higher degrees in and Times standards, and further proposed the general, and to educate graduate level students and establishment of more interdisciplinary subjects. researchers on one country in particular. Dr. Ahmadi also considered the significance In addition, Dr. Pourrostami spoke about how a of national experiences alongside foreign ones, in committee was established by the FWS in order to terms of education, thereafter suggesting for the study the world’s greatest universities. The study establishment of a committee to these ends. provided a model composed of three main properties Consequently, Dr. Shamsipour brought to essential for developing various disciplines. 1) attention that the fields of world studies should not Basic and specific courses for the various fields at be limited to the sphere of politics, and called for the FWS, 2) a year of intensive focus on one of the the expansion of these disciplines to include issues eight languages offered at the FWS, 3) fundamental that are more global, such as environmental affairs courses of the country studies, such as Germany, and the like. North America, Britain, Russia, France, India, Iraq, Dr. Mansourian, praised the success of the Egypt, Palestine and South Africa. Faculty in its ability to integrate five disciplines in The proposition to establish an undergraduate 1395, and considered the importance of promoting program, with the cooperation of the Faculty of collaboration amongst other faculties and professors Geography, was met with a strong welcome by of various fields, including politics, economics, and Dr. Moghimi. He expressed his desire that the history. collaboration between the two faculties would In his conclusion, Dr. Ameli stated that continue in other areas, suggesting the establishment the Faculty of World Studies is interested in of a Geography campus with the membership pf the cooperating with the Faculty of Geography both FWS. at the undergraduate and graduate level. He added Dr. Ghadiri emphasized that the university that based on the advice of colleagues in both should meet the demands and expectations of the departments, it might be better to tentatively design society, the university, and the students; therefore, and implement the new discipline at the graduate it should promote the establishment of disciplines level. Regarding the formation of a new campus, at which meet the needs of a society, so that the present it is not yet feasible, but the common issues student may enter the job market without the need of international studies alongside other disciplines to study at the graduate level. is also important. Following the session, the Joint Dr. Alavipanah stressed that the University Program Committee was formed.

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Venezuela Cultural Week at the Faculty of World Studies

On the morning of Sunday, 22nd April, the Venezuelan each other allies, and their relations have deepened in Cultural Week ceremony was attended by Dr. recent years.” He also expressed similarities between Mohammad Bagher Ghahremani, the Vice-President Iran and Venezuela in terms of its foreign policy of Tehran University for International Affairs, Dr. orientations: “Venezuela on the other side of the Seyed Saeid Raza Ameli, Dean of the Faculty of World oceans is the vanguard of the struggle against global Studies, as well as the Ambassador of Venezuela and imperialism in Latin America. Iran has also taken such other officials of the Embassy. a political standpoint in the Middle East, putting the Before the meeting, guests were welcomed with struggle against colonialism at the center of its goals. In Venezuelan coffee at the Faculty of World Studies’ the cultural arena, both countries have been seriously entrance hall. A group of students of the Faculty of Fine involved in the development of inter-cultural relations Arts also welcomed the audience with a puppet show. and activities, and there have been many activities in In the entrance hall of the Faculty of World Studies, this arena in both countries.” handicrafts, photos, films, and books were presented to Dr. Ghahramani added: “culture is one of the most the audience with the aim of becoming familiar with important areas for the establishment of global peace the culture and sights of Venezuela. and security. Attention to cultures and civilizations At the opening ceremony at the Hannaneh Hall, provides a good ground for cultural dialogue between Dr. Ghahramani paid tribute to the people, the nations. Intercultural development, in other words, will government, and the diplomatic staff of Venezuela foster better conditions for dialogue between different on the 208th anniversary of the independence of the civilizations, and will guide nations to a proper Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, which took place understanding of the world, and nations will be closer on April 19, 1811, resulting in the liberation of the together.” Venezuelan nation from colonialism. “Although On the role of the universities, Dr. Ghahramani Venezuela has faced many obstacles, and US stated: “The strengthening of the dialogue between interventions continue to the present day, Venezuela cultures and civilizations is one of the most important continues to be one of the major cultural, political, tasks of the academic community, so that, by working and economic pillars of South America, and in diligently in recognizing the culture and civilization particular throughout Latin America.” of other nations, they play a great role, and through Vice-President of the University while pointing out the dialogue they improve mutual understanding. Venezuela’s and the Islamic Republic of Iran’s special Dialogue and efforts to strengthen the cultural sphere status in foreign policy and international affairs stated facilitate interaction and engagement, and it opens “the expansion of relations in this region has particular many doors to solutions of the world’s most complex importance to our country. These two countries are issues.”

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Dr. Ghahremani stated that dialogue and interaction alliance between the people and the armed forces is makes cultures and civilizations durable, and added: considered to be the key to revolutionary spirit. The “No civilization can maintain its life without interacting Venezuelan Ambassador pointed to the country’s and maintaining exchange of ideas and thought. presidential election and added: “We will take out Therefore, the necessity of cultural relations and this yoke again and again, as much as they try to put exchanges between countries is accentuated every day it on us, because Venezuela is the land of conscience more than the previous day. In this regard, the academic and freedom.” community, as one of the major active organizations in At the end of the opening speech, Dr. Ameli the field of cultural production and communications, congratulated the Ambassador of the Republic of plays an important role in international developments, Venezuela on the anniversary of independence. The and in establishing cultural relations, and more Venezuelan Ambassador also donated an illustration specifically, academic connections and cultural of Simon Bolivar to the Dean of the Faculty of World contributions between countries.” Studies. Dr. Ghahremani stated that organizing meetings On the second day of the ceremony, three speakers through various fields establishes the basis of cultural addressed the following topics: dialogue and strengthens the friendship between • Melissa Nafal with the subject of conquest and nations: “Today, the University of Tehran’s Faculty of colonialization of Venezuela World Studies holds a Venezuela Cultural Week. The • General Pedrogrido with the subject of Simon two countries that have cultural differences with each Bolivar’s life other have proven to have a common ground in anti- • Hafrits Rukhas with the subject of a letter from imperialist goals and steadfastly adheres to their goals.” Jamaica He stated that the time has come for the development of On Tuesday, April 24, the first four lectures were held cultural relations between the two countries. as follows: The University’s Vice-President stated that choice • Dani Mata with the subject of the Petro of the Faculty of World Studies for the event is an • Sabrina Guéray with the topic of tourism in Venezuela indispensable indicator, as it collects students from • Kharam Rondoun on the issue of the Non-Aligned Latin American studies that, by mastering Spanish, Movement become experts in various fields of Latin America. • Kozus Gergorio Gonzalez Gonzalez on the subject of Dr. Ghahremani expressed his hope that in the near the Bolivarian revolutionary process future, the University of Tehran and the universities of Subsequently, Venezuelan food was served towards Venezuela will begin to develop more communication. the closing ceremony at the entrance of the Faculty. As academic relations, along with political, economic It is reminded that Venezuela is a country within and cultural ties, are of great importance. the Caribbean sphere and has a multi-ethnic diversity. At the end of the ceremony, Dr. Ghahramani, thanked It succeeded its independence in 1811, but in 1821 it Dr. Ameli, Dean of the Faculty of World Studies, who, acquired total independence from internal forces. through the Latin American cultural week, approved At the Faculty of World Studies, the Latin American the importance of culture and his special approach Studies Department seeks to educate students to get towards the Latin American region. acquainted with the ideas and thought of Latin American The second speaker of the Venezuela Week liberators and study the culture, art, civilization and ceremony, was Venezuela’s Ambassador, Lucas politics of these countries in depth. There has always Gregorio González González. Pointing to the history been a close relationship between the Faculty of World of Venezuela’s independence, he pointed to the Studies and the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic Venezuelan National Anthem, which begins with of Venezuela, but there has been no university-level the phrase “glory to the brave people who shook relationship with the universities of Venezuela, and off the yoke”. He referenced how Hugo Chavez, the such meetings will facilitate this.

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Dr. Zekrgoo’s Book Launching Ceremony

On June 9, 2018 at the Iran Hall at the Faculty of World the academic community. Furthermore, he stated that Studies, and in collaboration with the Iranian World prosperous people possess two main features; they have Studies Association, the valuable works of Dr. Amir good books likewise, have a circle of book readers as Hussein Zekrgoo, visiting professor of international their friends. Dr. Saeedabadi stated that you can find studies from the Department of Indian Studies was both features in the Faculty of World Studies. He also unveiled and presented in a ceremony amongst a group expressed his gratitude for the presence of professors of fellow scholars and professors from the University. such as Dr. Zekrgoo, who have graced this faculty by At the beginning of the ceremony Dr. Fariba Afkari, bringing new energy to the University. Head of the FWS Library, greeted and thanked the Dr. Ahmed Rezvandoost, as the first speaker of the audience, and hoped their prayers in the holy month meeting said: “Dr. Zekrgoo’s way of thinking about of Ramadan be accepted. In addition, Dr. Afkari artistic and philosophical works reflects his hard labor.” payed special tribute to Dr. Seyed Saeid Reza Ameli, Dr. Rezvandoost considered the research by Dr. Zekrgoo the Dean of the Faculty of World Studies, who has to be very unique and while having an oriental look, been the visionary behind such events and meetings they are balanced in terms of fair criticism. He added at the Faculty. Dr. Afkari presented and introduced that although Dr. Zekrgoo holds an affinity and value the work of Dr. Zekergo, a book titled I Have Seen for mythology, he nevertheless is a critical researcher. Paradise, and deemed it a multilayered and deep in its While doing research and study on myth and mythology profound discussion of the history of art, philosophy, is important, yet having mythological thinking and and mythologies of Buddhism and Hinduism. The Dr. approach is even more important, that demands deeper Afkari underlined Dr. Zekrgoo’s achievements and commitment. Dr. Rezvandoost praised the work of Dr. experience, emphasizing that he has many experiences Zekrgoo, his study of myth and mythology, claiming that from countries such as India, Malaysia, and America, it is comparable with the work of the late Dr. Shaygan. in the fields of Hinduism, Islamic art, codicology, and The professor of Persian literature said Dr. Zekrgoo is Islamic studies. Over his three successful and valuable committed to traditional views while at the same time trips through the Silk Road, Dr. Zekrgoo has gleaned transforming various experiences, as well as personal much valuable insights, such as his deep recognition of experiences, into culture and mysticism. India, its mythologies, art, and mysticism, which have To express the significance of Dr. Zekrgoo’s work, been reflected in his work. Dr. Rezvandoost, employed the phrase, “God has Dr. Mohammad Reza Saeedabadi, Head of the embraced Dr. Zekergo”, suggesting determinism in Department for South and East Asia and Pacific the work of Dr. Zekrgoo. He added that Dr. Zekrgoo Studies, praised and thanked Dr. Ameli for hosting has not only exhibited and presented his work to the such meetings that would provide familiarity and students and researchers, but he has been on his way understanding about academic and scholarly works for to self-development. Those familiar with contemporary

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Western-style works would be challenged reading the mirror the success found in much of world’s academic work of Dr. Zekrgoo, due to its timeless nature, its institutions. The mastery of English by its students, the demand for a deep reading, and its superiority in theme holding of international seminars featuring academics – all of which is in contradiction to popular currents of and scholars from around the world, the publication of the world today - as Nietzsche said: “write with blood”. prestigious journals, and the university networks within Dr. Hamideh Molaei, Assistant Professor of South and different sectors of industry, are other factors responsible East Asia and Pacific Studies, stated that Dr. Zekrgoo’s for the country’s success. In developing its economy, translation of “Three Treatises of Hamza Fansuri” has in addition to its civil attitude, the country has created put him in a promenant position in the field of Indian an infrastructure of Indian consumer goods suitable Studies, being that he has filled the vacuum in an area for all social-economic classes. The government and of Persian literature and mysticism about the Malaysian nation, together, has strengthened the social structure of viewpoint, which has been carefully translated into India by providing contentment, patience, protection of fluent Persian. The significance of this work, Hamza domestic goods, and consistent regulation. According to Fansuri, along with its author, is twofold. Dr Molaei, Dr. Mousavi, although Dr. Zekrgoo is a product of such quoted Dr. Al-Attas, professor at the University of an environment, it is difficult to replicate his experience. Singapore, who called Fansuri the father of mysticism After the guest speakers, Dr. Amir Hossein Zekrgoo in the Malay world, who, with his mastery of Arabic and began his speech with the words “Al-Hamdullah”. His Farsi, knowledge of Iranian mysticism, brought Sufism rendering of this phrase is in his praise for the Lord into Malaysia. Fansuri was born in Thailand, but he of creation. He stated his works are the result of the experienced a spiritual birth through his acquaintance influence of his colleagues and the will of God. He with Iranian mysticism and his attraction to the great stated, “I research on my own in order that I may be poets of Persian literature, including Shabestari, Attar, guided.” He praised God for his health, the power of his Jami, and Ghazzali. While incorporating Hadiths and thinking and expression, for his parents and his wife. mystical literature, Fansuri produced his own work According to him, determinism derives from selfishness and published it in three volumes. The first volume, in man, a kind that is not condemned. All great men The Secrets of the Gnostics, begins with praise and have sought to develop and actualize their God-given supplication to the Lord and his seven attributes. The talents, while others have exploited and enjoyed the second treatise, The Lovers’ Beverage, is devoted to the excesses. Dr. Zekrgoo stated that his book, I Have principles of Shari’a, Tariqaat, God’s manifestations, Seen the Paradise, is not the product of research, but and the importance of love and grace, in a total of seven his biography, which began with his journey on the Silk discourses. In the third volume, and the shortest of Road in 1996. He described this trip with his son, Sadra: discourses, Fansuri deals mostly with poetry, poets, and as one that “helped myself to become more aware of mystics. myself.” Dr. Zekergo continued to read from the book’s Dr. Sadruddin Musawi Jashni, Assistant Professor introduction and read one of his poems. at the Department of Indian Studies, referred to three At the ceremony, with the presence of Dr. Zekergo’s factors - academic, economic, and social dimensions of wife and son, Dr. Mandana Barakshli, the prominent Indian society- that influence and produce professors codiologist, mentioned the various dimensions of Dr. of Indian Studies, such as Dr. Zekrgoo. The academic Zekrgoo’s poetry, art of painting, and mysticism, all of attitude in India is one informed by British heritage, which Dr. Zekergo is devoted to. She recognized Dr. which has been evident in India as a template for its Zekrgoo’s spirit of commitment and diligence, which economic and social development, rendering India is never in ease. Dr. Barakshli added, “I accepted this today as the world’s fifth largest economy. Today in hardworking spirit, and I authorized it to continue. In India, in tandem with the university, there is a college addition, along with this experience, I also grew. One of system that provides the opportunity for those in rural the blessings of God was to be with him and to continue communities to gain an education. Indian universities to follow this path and to grow”.

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Dr. Sadra Zekrgoo, son of Dr. Zekrgoo, also a Ph.D. Zekergo’s scientific work. Dr. Ameli stressed that world in codicology, mentioned that his trip with his father on studies for the Iranian society has tremendous value and the Silk Road was a crucial trip: “when I was 13, I felt that the Islamic Republic of Iran will be on the path to like I had grown up.” comprehensive development, avoid mistakes, and enjoy In the follow-up meeting, Dr. Maziar Mozaffari, positive and promising experiences. assistant professor at the department of Indian Studies, At the closing of the ceremony, participants in the reemphasized the lack of sources of Iranian mysticism library of the Faculty of World Studies, unveiled the in Southeast Asia, praised Dr. Zekrgoo’s paternalistic new works of Dr. Zekrgoo. Also, by allocating a table attitude, and praised the students extolling them as “a to the Academy of Art in the Library of the Faculty, the national treasure”. works of the professor were offered to 35% discount. At the end of the book launching ceremony, Dr. Among the works published by Dr. Zekergo were: Seyed Saeid Reza Ameli, Dean of the Faculty of World • “Three Treatises of The Secrets of the Gnostics, The Studies, said Dr. Zekrgoo’s work merits mention, and Lovers’ Beverage and The Adept” joint effort with the ceremony provided a godly atmosphere where God Leyla H. Tajer (1397). was also the center of commemoration. Dr. Zekrgoo’s • “I Have Seen the Paradise: Reflections on the work bears a strong ontological thread especially in Philosophy of Western, Eastern & Islamic Arts”, Indian Studies, and sometimes manifested in the works joint effort with Zahra Zavarian (1396), of the Muslim world’s mystics. India, with its cultural, • “Symbolism in Oriental Arts (Vol. 5): Gestures & linguistic, and ethnic diversity, possessing a civilization Postures in Buddhist & Hindu Arts” (1396), spanning five thousand years, along with nearly 800 • “Indian Mythology and Art” (1394), years of a the presence of the Farsi language, presents • “Symbolism in Oriental Arts: Vol.4: Water Deities & challenges for specialists in this field. Dr. Ameli stated Mythical Sea Creatures” (1394), that the world is within the sphere and, operates under, • Symbolism in Oriental Arts: Vol.3: Mythical Birds in the will of God, whose affairs are neither determined Buddhist & Hindu Arts (1393) nor undetermined; he added while humankind is • Christian and Oriental Philosophy of Art (Third enthusiastic about questioning and research means that Edition 1393), the world is at the disposal of human authority. Dr. Ameli • Symbolism in Oriental Arts: Vol.2: Snake in Buddhist alluded to his frustration over the decline of the role of & Hindu Iconography (2012), the teacher as a model for students in the world today, • Traditional Foundations of Art & Life: Reflections on of whom he considers deep thinking, patience, expertise Ananda Coomaraswamy’s Dance of Shiva (1390), and knowledge. He added, “The purpose for all of us • Symbolism in Oriental Arts: Vol.1 Elephant in Hindu is to gain experience and excellence”. He narrated a & Buddhist Iconography (2009), hadith from the Imam Ali’s Imam Ali (as), who says: • Introduction to Indian Art (1382), “I froze in the cold of the lives of people and burned • Secrecy of Indian Myths – Vedic Gods (1998). in the heat of the people’s lives,” and attributed to Dr. He also signed the memorial book of the Faculty.

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Meetings with individuals from Iran and Other Countries at the FWS

Meeting with the Deputy Editor of Al-Ahram Newspaper On April 10, 2018, Egyptian journalist and Deputy Editor of the Al-Ahram daily, Ahmed al-Sayoufi, met with Dr. Sayed Sarid Reza Ameli, Dean of the Faculty of World Studies, and Dr. Ali Akbar Alikhani, professor in the West Asian and North Africa Studies department. They discussed the latest situations, and conditions in Egypt following the presidential elections. Also, al- Sayoufi responded in detail to the questions of students of Egyptian Studies concerning the political and economic situation in Egypt. He also visited various departments of the Faculty.

Meeting with the Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Bolivia On Sunday, April 15, 2018, the Bolivian Chargé d’Affaires Walter Alejandro Yanez and Consul Edwin Rivero, met with Dr. Maryam Haghroosta, Head of the Department of Spanish and Latin American Studies at the Faculty of World Studies. At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. Haghroosta welcomed the Mission, and briefly described the activities at the Faculty, andin particular, at the Department of Latin American Studies. The Consul, Edwin Rivero, also thanked and expressed his gratitude for the gracious atmosphere at the Faculty and in its presentation of Latin American countries. In addition, the recent ALBA and Cuban Cultural Week international relations, holding cultural activities, as well programs at the Faculty were considered a success. as holding specialized sessions to familiarize students, The meetings focused on expanding academic and and enthusiasts from various fields, with Bolivia.

Visit of First Secretary of the Cuban Embassy On Tuesday, April 17, 2018, Tania Clausse Rodriguez, the First Secretary of the Cuban Embassy, met with Dr. Maryam Haghroosta, Head of the Department of Spanish and Latin American Studies, to discuss the expansion of university relations with the University of Havana. It was agreed that the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba would make this program a priority in order to speed up its implementation. The visit focused on the organization of joint courses, international seminars, workshops, and the exchanges of professors and student.

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Visit of the Deputy Consul of Spain On Tuesday, April 24, 2018, Maria de los Reyes Fernandez Bulnes, Deputy Consul General of Spain in Iran, visited the Faculty of World Studies and met with Dr. Maryam Haghroosta, Head of the Department of Spanish and Latin American Studies. A brief explanation of the activities of the Spanish and Latin American Department were given. Mrs. Fernandez Bulnes congratulated the Faculty for its extensive cooperation in the field of academia, and for holding joint conferences and workshops between the University of Tehran and the Spanish Universities, and announced that there is a readiness to start cooperating in the fields of culture with the Faculty of World Studies. Architecture symposium and joint conferences with the One of the first proposed programs was the Spanish faculty and its students.

Dutch Delegation of 75 Students Visit the Faculty of World Studies On Saturday morning Apti 28, 2018, Dr. Marandi, professor at the Department of American Studies, welcomed a delegation of 75 students from the Netherlands to the Hananeh Hall of the Faculty of World Studies. The delegation comprised of professors and influential members of Dutch civil society, planned to visit other towns and sights in Iran. They had also requested attending one of Dr. Marandi’s lectures in order to hear about his views on Iran’s political, domestic, and foreign affairs, and resolutions concerning Iran’s relations with other countries. The meeting ended with many questions concerning Dr. Marandi’s analysis, and his responses.

Visit by the Administration of the Confucius Foundation in Tehran On Saturday, May 5, 2018, Dr. Nahid Pourostami, Associate Dean of Research, and Graduate Education, Dr. Amir Bahram Arabahmadi, International Affairs Advisor, Dr. Maziar Mozaffari Falarati, professor of Southeast Asia and Pacific Studies, along with the administration of the Confucius Foundation, and professors from China, held a meeting centering on the topic of Chinese Studies, and focusing on issues in China. In conclusion, it was agreed that another meeting would take place in order to review further details.

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Director of Swahili Radio Met the FWS Vice-Dean for International Relations Dr. Amir- Bahram Arabahmadi, the FWS Vice-Dean for International Relations, held a meeting with Mr. Mobarak Hania, Director of Swahili Radio, on Monday, May 7, 2018. Dr. Arabahmadi spoke about the history of the African Studies department and talked about the courses of study, which for the first time in Iran are being offered at the graduate level. Mr. Hania praised the Islamic Republic of Iran’s radio broadcast service, and also mentioned the mutual cultural interests between Iran and the East African region describing Africa as a vast land with many capabilities, and referred historical instances where Iranians found themselves welcomed continent to the Iranian public, especially to elites, by the people of Africa. At the end of the visit, Mr. Hania and made a request for the work of Dr. Arabahmadi in thanked Dr. Arabahmadi for presenting the African Swahili.

A Group of Al-Mustafa International University Professors Visit the FWS On Monday, May 14, 2018, a group of professors and scholars from the Al-Mustafa International University of Qom met with Dr. Seyyed Saeid Reza Ameli, Dean of the Faculty of World Studies, and with academic members of the French Studies Department, at the Faculty of World Studies. Dr. Youssef Zanganeh, the representative of the ten-person-group of professors and students of Islamic Studies in the French language from the Institute of Language and Cultural Studies in Qom, affiliated to the Al-Mustafa International University, introduced, and spoke about the activities empathy. Subsequently, he introduced Dr. Rouhollah of the Institute, the faculty members and scholars. Hosseini, Head of the French Studies Department at Thereafter he introduced the Institute’s activities and the Faculty, and pointed to the need for collaboration spoke about how when this Institute first established between the two centers and the cooperation over their its undergraduate program in French, and in Islamic facilities. Studies in French language. Dr. Hadi Dolatabadi, professor of the French Studies Dr. Ameli emphasized the importance of Islamic Department of the Faculty of World Studies, invited the studies in French, and the need to address this at various audience to visit sources, books, and many of the theses cultural levels in order to facilitate communication, and in French, of French Studies students, at the Library of added that “religious communication” is possible and the Faculty of World Studies. on par with the people, and speaking in the language At the end of the meeting, which continued in of the people is a basic requirement. It is possible to be French, the students of the Institute of Language and on the same religious level and mutual respect, to avoid Cultural Studies introduced their research topics and self-aggrandizement, and creating a space of mutual dissertations.

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Meeting with the Chargé d'Affaires of Chile at the FWS On Monday, May 21, 2018, Mauricio Carabelli, Charge d’Affaires and Consul of the Embassy of Chile, met with Dr. Maryam Haghroosta, Head of the Latin American Studies Department, at the Faculty of World Studies. During the meeting, Dr. Haghroosta introduced the Faculty of World Studies and its various departments, specifically the Latin American Studies Department, and expressed interest that with the recent opening of the Chilean Embassy in Tehran, they could hold academic and cultural events, the events for Chilean Week, and other ideas related to Chile. Faculty, and he expressed his interest in strengthening Mr. Carabelli, Charge d’Affaires and Consul of the cultural and academic cooperation. In conclusion, it was Embassy of Chile, also expressed his gratitude for the decided that there would be more meetings on Chile acceptance of his request to familiarize himself with the within the coming semester.

Swiss Ambassador Visit the FWS During a meeting at the of Faculty of World Studies, on Monday, June 11, 2018, Swiss Ambassador, Marcus Leitner, and Deputy Ambassador, Kim Whitzer, met with Dr. Seyyed Mohammad Marandi, head of the American Studies department. The meeting discussed the recent events following the United States’ exit from the JCPOA. Dr. Marandi, while pointing out the uncertain positions of Europe in this regard, emphasized Iran’s commitment to the JCPOA if this process continues, but if Europe does not fulfill its obligations, Iran will have to exit as well. Thus to preserve the JCPOA and expressed their hope that the academic exchanges between remain within it, Europe should consider the conditions universities and academic centers in Switzerland and the mentioned by the Iranian Supreme Leadder. The two sides University of Tehran could be strengthened.

Japan’s Council President Visit the FWS During a meeting at the Faculty of World Studies on Monday June 11, 2018, Mr. Adachi, Council President of the Embassy of Japanese in Iran, met with Dr. Seyyed Mohammad Marandi, Head of the American Studies department. The meeting discussed the recent events following the United States’ exit from the JCPOA. Mr. Adachi, Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of Japanese in Iran, while expressing his regret over the circumstances, emphasized Japan’s support for the agreement. Dr. Marandi said re-negotiating a deal is impossible because of the non-commitment of the one party state, adding that from the Iranian point of view, in the long run, America will stance on JCPOA, said Iran’s positions on Syria, Iraq, and suffer more damages than Iran. The Head of the American Yemen will not change, and the fight against terrorism and Studies department, while emphasizing Iran’s decisive extremism is a moral and national security issue for Iran.

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Officials of the Embassy of South Africa Visit the FWS In a meeting at the Faculty of World Studies on Monday, June 18, 2018, Ms. Soraya Jacobs, Charge d’Affaires, and Mr. Lutando, Second Secretary of the Embassy of South African, met with Dr. Amir Bahram Arabahmadi, the FWS Vice-Dean for International Relations and the head of the Department of Central and South African Studies at the Faculty of World Studies. At the outset of the meeting, Dr. Amir Arabahmadi gave a survey on the curriculum and courses in the department of African Studies, and spoke about his experience on working with different African countries. East. She also suggested that the relations between the The Vice-Dean invited the Embassy of South Africa University of Tehran and the universities in Africa be to cooperate with the Faculty of World Studies in the strengthened, and stated that the embassy will use all academic and cultural fields. its capabilities in deepening the academic relations of The Charge d’Affaires, Ms. Jacob, praised the the University of Tehran with its best universities in establishment of the African Studies department, South Africa, such as the University of Cape Town, considering it a unique quality for the University of the University of Witwatersrand, the University of Tehran, not only in Iran, but also in the whole Middle Stellenbosch and the University of Pretoria.

Meeting with the University of Lille’s Director of International Relations at the Faculty of World Studies

Dr. Etienne Pirot, Director of International Relations at the Institute of Political Sciences of Lille, France, met with staff from the Faculty of World Studies on Wednesday, June 27. The meeting was attended by Dr. Mohammad Samiei, head of the Iranian Studies department, Dr. Amir Bahram Arabahmadi, head of the Central and South African Studies department, and Dr. Nahid Shahverdiyani, Head of the French Language department of the Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literature. The meeting was held at the Faculty of World Studies. Dr. Samiei introduced the Iranian Studies Lille. Department and its activities, and also introduced the Dr. Shahverdiyani expressed her hopes of establishing Faculty of World Studies as a place suitable for foreign a student exchange program with France, and spoke students from successful universities, and spoke about about its immediate implementation. The meeting its amenities to support foreign students. was scheduled to be followed by a memorandum of Dr. Arabahmadi introduced the Central and South understanding between the two academic institutions, African Studies Department, and emphasized the consisting of the exchange of professors and students, readiness of the Faculty of World Studies to sign a strengthening academic cooperation, holding joint memorandum of understanding with the University of conferences, and joint doctoral programs.

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Ambassador of Spain Met the FWS Dean

Eduardo Lopez Busquets, Ambassador of Spain to Iran, met with Dr. Seyed Saeid Reza Ameli, Dean of the Faculty of World Studies, July 10, 2018. At the meeting with the presence of Dr. Maryam Haghroosta, the Head of Department of Latin American Studies, they discussed the ways to further academic and cultural cooperation with Spanish universities, including the University of Barcelona, Santiago, Madrid, Valencia and Seville. At the beginning of the meeting Dr. Ameli spoke to the Spanish Ambassador about the close cultural The Dean of the Faculty of World Studies introduced proximity between Iran and Spain, as well as the the Latin American Studies Program, and mentioned good relations between Iranian and the Spanish the mastery of Spanish language by its students and students among the foreigners at the Faculty. During professors, and called these five goals above as a way the meeting, five areas for future cooperation were to resolve the knowledge gap and flawed or distorted put forward; (i) the establishment of a master degree beliefs about both countries, and lastly hoped that it of Spanish Studies; (ii) the establishment of an would help familiarize the world with the true face of undergraduate degree in World Studies in partnership Iran. with one of the Spanish universities; (iii) the exchange The Ambassador of Spain, Eduardo Lopez of students, in particular, students in the field of Iranian Busquets, welcomed the points that were raised, and Studies; and, (iv) holding conferences, and a Spanish added that more than five million Muslims currently Cultural Week at the Faculty of World Studies, and live in Spain. At the end of the meeting, Dr. Haghroosta, finally, (v) the enrichment of the college digital library was entrusted to assist in implementation of these five with Spanish books. goals.

Meeting with the Director of the Younis Imre Cultural Center of Turkey

Dr. Amir Bahram Arabahmadi, the FWS Vice-Dean for International Relations, together with Dr. Reza Dehghani, professor of West Asia Studies, met with Mr. Jam, Director of the Younis Imre Cultural Center of Turkey, in Tehran on Wednesday, July 11. During the visit, held at the Cultural Center, the parties discussed the provisions of the signed Memorandum of Understanding, deciding that in the near future, the institute will donate a large number of books on topics and subjects related to Turkey to the Library of the Faculty World’s Studies.

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A Group of 22 Scholars and Researchers from Different Countries Visit the FWS In coordination with Dr. Mohammad Samiei, head of the Department of Iranian Studies at the Faculty of World Studies, and at the invitation of Dr. Mehdi Salehi, Director General of Scientific and International Cooperation of the University of Religions and Denominations, and Dr. Reza Naderi, Deputy Director of Public Affairs and Cooperation of the Women and Family Research Center, 22 scholars and researchers, from various countries, including Spain, Australia, Italy, Ireland, Germany, Pakistan, Switzerland, Serbia, France, Democratic Republic of Congo, and India, held a meeting at the Faculty of World Studies on Saturday, August 25, 2018. Dr. Shahoo Sobbar, assistant professor of Iranian Initially, Dr. Amir Bahram Arabahmadi, the FWS Studies, delivered signified the geographic location of Vice-Dean for International Relations, introduced the Iran, pointing to its various ethnicities and religions, and Faculty and its various departments, and highlighted emphasizing Iran’s magnificent history. some of its achievements. Then, Dr. Samiei started Finally, Dr. Samiei, described Shi’a views and spoke with the introduction of the Department of Iranian about pilgrimage texts. Studies, announcing the Faculty’s readiness in At the end, after the question and answer time, the accepting foreign students. participants took a group photo.

Members of Berghof Foundation Visit the FWS On August 27, 2018, with the coordination of the Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS), a four-member delegation from the Berghof Foundation, Germany, was welcomed at the Faculty of World Studies and attended a discussion on the situation in the region, and Iran. The meeting was attended by Dr. Seyyed Saeid Reza Ameli, Dean of the Faculty of World Studies, Dr. Seyyed Mohammad Marandi, head of the Department of American Studies, Dr. Zeinab Ghasemi Tari, professor of American Studies, Dr. Oliver Wils, Program Director for Middle East and North Africa, Heidi Huuhtanen, further mentioned the lack of commitment on the Senior Advisor, Alca Ositallo, Senior Adviser, and Nora part of the United States to the JCPOA, adding that Rathje, Executive Director. They discussed ongoing it was the main cause of rejection by Iran for further issues in the region affecting countries like Iran, Iraq, negotiations. He added that the changing positions Turkey, Syria, Yemen, and other Arab countries. of both Qatar and Turkey, and the close relations In the meeting, Dr. Marandi, although critical of between Iran, China, and Russia, will move the United States and Saudi policies toward Iran, did not developments in the Middle East further away from consider the sanctions against Iran a serious threat, America’s expectations. adding that “if the US closes the door on Iran, another According to Dr. Wils, this meeting, which was very door will open for Iran.” He emphasized that Iran welcomed by the members of the Berghof Foundation, does not want any sort of conflict in the region, and had many important points for the European Union.

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South African Charge d’Affaires Visit the FWS During a meeting at the Faculty of World Studies on Monday, September 3, 2018, Ms. Soraya Jacob, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of South Africa, and Mr. Raul Forchan, First Secretary of the Embassy, met with Dr. Seyyed Mohammad Marandi, head of the American Studies Program. Among the ideas and issues discussed were various ways the academic, cultural, and economic exchanges between Iran and South Africa could be strengthened. Mrs. Jacob, on her second visit to the Faculty of World Studies this year, praised Dr. Marandi for his participation on various international media, and expressed high esteem for the Faculty of World Studies surrounding Iran, he welcomed the increased engagement as the perfect place to hold seminars and lectures. with the African country, and highlighted how African Although Dr. Marandi emphasized that his statements in people have experienced much hardship and interference media reflect his own personal views on various issues at the hands of America for many years.

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Honors FWS Professor Dedicated his New Book to the Supreme Leader On May 30, 2018, on the eve of the birthday of Hadhrat Imam Hassan Mojtaba (AS), the second Shia imam, a group of cultural figures, professors of poetry and Persian literature, young and veteran Iranian poets met with Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. At the ceremony, Dr. Mojtaba Rahmandoost, professor at the Western Asian and North African Studies Department from the University of Tehran's Faculty of World Studies, offered his new book entitled, The Passage from Moscow and Beijing, to the Supreme Leader. During this ceremony, 31 poets read their poems Dr. Rahmanudoost, in addition to expressing the in the presence of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic spiritual gain of this meeting and his appreciation for Revolution. At the opening of the meeting, the poets the Supreme Leader's annual meeting with renowned presented their works to Ayatollah Khamenei. Evening poets, stated that, “With the absence of attention in the prayers were also led by Ayatollah Khamenei, after which field of arts, to artists and poets, this annual ceremony the poets broke their fast along with the Leader. with the presence of the Supreme Leader, represents a A part of this ceremony is available at the following turning point”. address: https://www.aparat.com/v/oQj89

FWS Dean was Awarded the Coat of Arms of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

On April 19, 2018, in celebration of the National Day of Venezuelan Independence, the Ambassador of Venezuela to Iran, Jesus Gonzalez, presented the National Emblem At the end of the Venezuelan Independence Celebration, of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the Dean of in an interview with Hispan TV concerning the Latin the Faculty of World Studies, Dr. Seyyed Saeid Reza American nation, Dr. Ameli emphasized: "The Venezuelan Ameli, for his valuable academic and cultural contribution government has fought for its independence and freedom through the Faculty of World Studies in familiarizing the for nearly eight years. However, we live in a world in Iranian public with Latin American countries, in particular which there are those who vie for control and domination the revolutionary country of Venezuela, through joint over others, seek monopolies of power; and therefore, we academic seminars and holding cultural festivals in the must be powerful so that we may resist, and on the other Venezuelan Week. hand, it is necessary to take the path of reason in order to The Ambassador of Venezuela observed the solve international conflicts. It is natural that the power of establishment of the Latin American Studies Department virtuous and spiritual language overcomes the militant-like at the Faculty of World Studies as an important step in sentiments and power, rendering bullying and domination consolidating the ties between Iran and Venezuela, and over others to failure.” urged for the continuation of future cooperation. Many foreign ministers and ambassadors were At the ceremony, Dr. Ameli said: "It is a great honor to in attendance for the Venezuelan Independence Day receive the national emblem of the country, a nation that celebrations, where the program included a short film about has been fighting for autonomy and against domination, the events leading to Venezuela’s Independence, a speech by oppression, and interference while protecting the rights the Ambassador, and the Director-General of the Americas of others.” Office at the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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Dr. Soltaninejhad’s Article in the Journal of Balkan and Near Eastern Studies

The Journal of Balkan and Near Eastern Studies, which holds the rank number one in the Web of Science, published an article by Dr. Mohammad Soltaninejhad—professor of Western Asia and North African Studies, Iraq and Egypt—titled “Coalition-Building in Iran’s Foreign Policy: Understanding the ‘Axis of Resistance’” which is available at https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full /10.1080/19448953. 2018.1506295.

Publishing of an Article by the Head of African Studies Department of the Faculty of World Studies

An article by Dr. Amir Bahran Arabahmadi, Head of the African Studies Department of the Faculty of World Studies, titled "Tracing Baluch Identity in Zanzibar", has been featured in the edition, AFRICA AND ITS DIASPORAS: Rethinking Struggles for Recognition and Empowerment (2018) by Africa World Press, and The Red Sea Press Canada. In addition to the article by Dr. Arabahmadi, the book contains articles from prominent American, Canadian, French and Algerian scholars.

Dr. Ahouie Appointed as Advisor to the Minister and Director General of International Affairs at the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology of Iran

According to a statement issued by the Public Relations section of the office of the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology, soon after President Rouhani emphasized in the Festival of Martyr Rajaee on the importance of using young managers; on Saturday, September 8, 2018, Dr. Mahdi Ahouie, associate professor of Iranian Studies, was appointed Advisor to the Minister and Director General of International Affairs of the Ministry of Information and Communication by the Minister of Communications and Information.

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Position of Handbooks in International Academic Publishing

In the social sciences and humanities, handbooks hold a special academic and scholarly position as references. In recent decades, major academic publishers such as Cambridge, Oxford, Edward Alger, Rutledge, and Sage, have tried to publish handbooks to prove their own position as an academic reference. They have even competed in selecting famous scholars to supervise the collection of articles in the book. For example, Oxford Publications has published 92 Handbooks on various political issues.1 The Oxford Publication page states:

Oxford Handbooks Online is an outstanding collection of the best Handbooks areas across many different subject areas. One of the most prestigious and successful strands of Oxford’s scholarly publishing, the Handbook series contains in-depth, high-level articles by scholars at the top of their field.Oxford Handbooks Online is guided by a world-class Editorial Board that bring together the world’s leading scholars to discuss research and the latest thinking on a range of major topics.2

In order to manage the collection of book articles for handbooks, academic publishers identify the as "Dastnameh", which is also used for students’ most prominent scholars, references, and authorities guidebook, because it is referenced to the particular in the fields. In addition, scholars are chosen among audience of that book. Perhaps a better translation for the most prominent ones in the field. These articles the scientific handbooks in the social sciences and the are considered the latest in the field. Now that humanities is "reference book" or "book of essentials." this opportunity has arrived for scholars from the For example, the Handbook of Public Diplomacy, University of Tehran, it presents an opportunity to published by Rutledge, has been translated as The raise the position of the University. Reference Book for Public Diplomacy, by Imam Sadiq The differences between a research and scholarly (PBUH) University Press. articles published in handbooks and those of an Edward Alger is one of the most prominent encyclopedic entry are that the encyclopedic entry international academic and international publishers is an overview of an existing subject in relation to specializing in the social sciences and law, and an issue, but handbooks describe the latest trends publishes handbooks in these fields. In the issues and knowledge of an issue, sometimes pushing the related to security, Edward Alger has published 56 boundaries. Book chapters are also different from handbooks; Cultural Security, one of the most recent handbooks, because although the entry may also be and the first and only reference book on cultural academic-research, yet it may not be necessarily a security ever published, is one of its latest. Some of reference. In Iran, the term “handbook” is translated the awards received by this publication are as follows:

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• ProQuest Academic & Professional Publisher of the the editorship of Yasushi Watanabe, renowned Year 2017 full professor of the Keio University in Japan, has • Frankfurt Book Fair Academic & Professional collected the works of academics from renowned Publisher of the Year 2013-2014 universities. Dr. Watanabe is one of the world's • Academic, Educational and Professional Publisher leading experts on cultural policies and public of the Year 2013-2014 (The Bookseller Industry diplomacy. He received his doctorate in social Awards).3 anthropology from Harvard, and since 2005 he This publication publishes over 350 academic has been a professor at the Keio University of papers annually, and has published more than 5,500 Japan. Americanizing soft power discourses and book titles. The Handbook of Cultural Security, its discontents, an article by Dr. Foad Izadi, was as a reference book for cultural security,4 under published in May 2018 in this handbook.

1- http://www.oxfordhandbooks.com/browse?btog=book&pageSize=10&sort= titlesort&t0=ORR%3ASOC02270 2- http://www.oxfordhandbooks.com/oso/page/about;jsessionid=19BA44D7F8A78B 18761A060BCECBB357 3- https://www.e-elgar.com/about/edward-elgar-publishing-awards-and-reputation 4- Yasushi Watanabe

Dr. Hassan Ahmadian's Lecture at Harvard University

Dr. Hassan Ahmadian, associate professor of Western Asian and North African Studies of the Faculty of World Studies, and post-doctorate scholar at Harvard University, gave a speech at the John F. Kennedy School. In his speech, The Iranian Perspective on the Trump Administration and the Future of the JCPOA, Dr. Ahmadian pointed to the threat of failure in the nuclear deal under the current political conditions, the claims of the Trump administration related to the JCPOA, its goals and objectives, the future of Iran face to face with the Trump administration’s bellicose stance, and possible scenarios within this context.

Dr. Rasoolinejhad’s Working Paper Published in ADBI

The publication of a joint article by Dr. Ehsan Rasoulinejad, professor of Russian, Central Asian and the Caucasus Studies, along with Dr. Farhad Taghizadeh Hesari from Waseda University, and Dr. Naoyuki Yoshino of Kieo University and Director of the Development Bank of Asia, has been published as a working-paper and as a podcast. Below are the links: Working-paper: https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/411176/adbi- wp829.pdf Podcast Link: https://soundcloud.com/adbinstitute/using-diversified-energy- agriculture-can-protect-food-security/

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Top students of the 8th International Students’ Festival of the University

During the 8th International Students’ Festival of the University of Tehran, the top students of non- Iranian origin, were selected from the Iranian Studies Department of the Faculty of World Studies, at the University of Tehran. In the ceremony, held from May 13 to 15, 2018, Anthony Graves, Anna Kotby Munck, Tim Reting, Ivan Harionak, and Charlotte Phillips, the top five students of Iranian Studies at the Faculty of World Studies, were honored as to the top students amongst international students of the University of Tehran. We congratulate Dr. Seyyed Said Reza Ameli, Dean Samiei, Head of the Iranian Studies Department for of the Faculty of World Studies and, Dr. Mohammad this and hope to see the students’ success in the future.

Three Teams from FWS Advanced to Top Eight English Debate Teams

from the Faculty of World Studies and Imam Sadiq University (AS), could also advance to the next round. The next round of English debates was held at the University of Tehran on Ordibehesht 16th to 18th, with the support of the Department of Cultural Affairs of the University of Tehran and the Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research. Borna Danesh, a student of the American Three teams composed of students from the Faculty Studies Department at the Faculty of World of World Studies have advanced to the final rounds Studies, was awarded the championship at the first in the National English Debate, putting the top National English Debate. eight finalists head to head with each other. The eight students who advanced to the finals "The team of Great Debaters consists of Hamid argued the topic “Disparagement of Iranian society Reza Gholamzadeh, Setareh Sadeghi, Fahimeh is the reason behind the awarding of Iranian Korki and Mohammadali Rahimian, and the FWS films in foreign film festivals" were Ahmad Reza team consists of Siavash Chavoshi, Moin Ahmadi, Ehsanyan, Borna Danesh, Javad Hosseini, and Fahimeh Moradi and Farzin Safari were among the Adel Ghavidel, taking 94 points out of 140, where students that went to the next round” said Tohid the opposing side, Javad Saleh, Sahand Kianian, Asadi, the head of the committee's referees. Milad Zarei, and Massoud Abdul Rahimi ended Intellectual Anarchy, a team of both students with 74 points, in second place, respectively.

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FWS Journal of World Sociopolitical Studies Indexed in ProQuest International Database

The English-language academic journal, World Sociopolitical Studies published in joint efforts with the Iranian World Studies Association of the Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran, has achieved indexing status in the renowned ProQuest International database. This academic journal centers on national, regional, and international studies in the political and social spheres. Its editor-in-chief is the Dean of the Faculty of World Studies, Dr. Seyyed Saeid Reza Ameli, and its editor is Dr. Mohammad Ali Mousavi. More information about this journal and its articles can be found at http://wsps.ut.ac.ir.

FWS Journal of Cyberspace Studies Indexed in 31 International Databases

The FWS Journal of Cyberspace Studies is published in English by the joint efforts of “Cyberspace Policy Research Center” and the “UNESCO Chair on Cyberspace and Culture: Dual Spacization of the World” and covers general topics in cyberspace studies. Its Director-in-Charge is Prof. Mohammad Marandi and its Editor-in-Chief is Prof. Saied Reza Ameli. This journal is accessible through https://jcss.ut.ac.ir. The JCSS is a member of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and is committed to upholding the integrity of the academic record. This journal is indexed into 31 databases including CIVILICA, China Citation Database, Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), Eurasian Scientific Journal Index, Index Copernicus, Norwegian Center for research Data, Directory of Open Access scholarly Resources, and Social Science Open Access Repository. For more information on how to submit articles, guidelines for the authors are available at https://jcss.ut.ac.ir/journal/authors.note.

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Lectures, workshops, and conferences

The 21st session of the UCCCDSW’s conference series was held

The 21st session of the UNESCO Chair on Culture is based on the transfer of linear and organized and Cyberspace’s conference series would be held on knowledge from teacher to student, and observes the Tuesday, 8 May 2018 at the Iran Hall of the Faculty of changes in the learner’s behavior after acquiring new World Studies. In this session, Ms Manije Akhavan, a knowledge and skills, where the learner’s role is to researcher at the Cyberspace Policy Research Center, receive educational content. would deliver her lecture entitled “The Theories of Within the cognitive framework, learning the Virtual Literacy Education: The Dual Spacization and process of data entry is the short-term memory data Comprehensive Virtual Literacy, or the Dual Spacization management, coding and storage for the purpose of Literacy”. long term recall, and knowledge and meaning exist In the contemporary Dual-Spacization of the World, independently from personal experience. Cyber literacy the preparation of individuals to become literate citizens within this approach focuses on how the student learns is a responsibility of all institutions and educational as a processor of information. The emphasis is placed centers. On the other hand, knowledge structures and on individual differences, and teachers should develop technological tools are inseparable from each other. different learning strategies for different learning styles Therefore, in readjusting and redefining the dominant of individuals so that learners can select appropriate theoretical standards and approaches in teaching and activities based on their preferred style. learning, literacy in cyberspace will become necessary. Structuralists, on the other hand, believe that the There are three continuous approaches within student has an active participation in the production of the history in the fields of education and learning: a) knowledge and meaning. In the framework of cognitive behavioral, b) cognitive, and c) structural. With recent structuralism, the student makes their own knowledge technological developments, on the one hand, new when they engage in the interpretive and semantic forms of education and learning are important in the processes of their learning environment and experiences. context of the dominant theoretical approaches, and on Within the framework of social structuralism, the the other hand, new approaches such as “connectivity” teacher acts as a guide and a facilitator, and the learner have been added to the theory of learning and education. actively builds and interprets his knowledge based on Behaviorists emphasize that meaning and knowledge previous experiences. in the world, are apart from personal experience, the For the first time the theory of connectivism learning of new behavior or changes in behavior, and was introduced to the scientific community in 2004 are the result of the individual’s response to the external by Siemens and Downes offering a new paradigm stimulus. Learning cyber literacy within this framework of learning in contemporary times. Within this

Faculty of World Studies University of Tehran Spring & Summer 2018 36 World Studies Newsletter framework, “learning is a process that occurs in learner decides based on his learning style. obscure environments that is not fully controlled by However, due to the weaknesses in each of these individuals.” In the connectivism theory, the concept theoretical approaches for educating and learning cyber of network plays a significant role where the “learning literacy; having a “dualization of the World approach process is connected to specific underpinnings”. to learning and teaching of cyber literacy” is suggested Accordingly, new connections create new knowledge as the desirable approach, which is understood to be and produce meaning through connectivity. Also, the based on the dualization of the world paradigm. In connectivity learning environment is open, and the this framework, the learner’s role is divided into areas continuity of network structure is possible, and there of responsibility, interaction and productivity, and are tools for manipulating resources and ideas and the teacher acts as a facilitator and a guide, and the representing knowledge. On the other hand, within this production of meaning and knowledge is also harnessed framework, the generation of knowledge is based on the through a two-way interaction between the physical and experiences of members of the community, where the cyber worlds in a reflexive way.

22nd Meeting of UNESCO Chairs Program on Culture and Cyberspace: A Psychoanalytic Reading of Cyberspace: Digitization of the Oedipus Complex and the Dialectic of Subjectivity and Castration in the Cyberspace

The Twenty-second UNESCO Chairs Program on of humans, and its content are merely dreams, Culture and Cyberspace was held at the Iran Hall aspirations, and repressed anxieties, that have been of the Faculty of World Studies of the University of dormant and sedated in the unconscious of persons. Tehran, On Tuesday, May 22, 2018. Dr. Abdullah Thus, cyberspace is the auditorium of human Karimzadeh, visiting professor of the Department of neuroticism and psychosis. After explaining this Languages and Literature, presented his lecture on model, centered on a Freudian psychoanalysis, the the Dualization of the World, entitled: “Digitization debate and issue of the digitization of the Oedipus of the Oedipus Complex and the Dialectic of complex and the Dialectic of Subjectivity and Subjectivity and Castration in the Cyberspace.” In his Castration in the Cyberspace was discussed with the critical lecture of cyber space, a new model known potential of a Lacanian and Zizekian psychoanalysis as the “Transformation Model for the Understanding being introduced. Ultimately, the transition from of Cyberspace” was presented. According to this psychoanalytic space to a schizophrenic cyberspace, model, it is argued that a version of the cyberspace based on the anti-Oedipus theory of Deleuze and is really a translation from the unconscious mind Guattari, becomes an issue of thinking.

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Weekly Review Sessions: Japan's Economic Development (First Meeting) the historic events, beginning with the start of World War II, and those leading to Japan's economic development and successful economic policies, were reviewed. On Tuesday, April 24, 2018, Dr. Nahid Pourostami, Associate Dean of Research, Education and Postgraduate Studies, and Associate Professor at the Department of Southeast Asia and Pacific Studies at Faculty of World A series of conferences covering the experiences Studies, gave a presentation at the Farhang Hall at the of various countries’ economic, cultural, and social Faculty, on the social and political institutions of the development were formed weekly. Tokugawa and the Meiji era, discussing the causes of At the meeting, the country in focus was Japan. Here their formations.

Weekly Review Sessions: Japan’s Economic Development (Second Meeting) The second meeting of the Weekly Review series on the experiences of various countries’ economic and social development resumed on Tuesday, April 28, 2018, at the Andishe Hall at the Faculty of World Studies, continued with a lecture titled, “A Review of the Economic Development of Japan”, by Dr. Nahid Pourostami, Associate Dean of Research, Education and Postgraduate Studies, and Associate Professor at the Department of Southeast Asia and Pacific Studies at Faculty of World was the period of the development of industry. Studies. Due to the respect for the peoples’ interests since the Dr. Pourostami, in a speech on a review of Japan's beginning of its history, in Japan trust in the state has economic development, said that “Japan did not welcome taken form. For example, in Japan's Meiji era, without direct foreign investment independently. Even in the destroying its indigenous industries, the state gradually beginning of the Meiji period and with the opening of established modern industries in the country. In fact, Japan to outside influence, there were intermediaries that indigenous industries did not disappear at all. This idea were connected with Western merchants, and did not of gradual change has been present in Japan. This has allow direct contacts with the foreigners”. led to stability in the country. The Japanese spirit has Banks were developed within the Meiji period. also contributed to these developments, given that the Shibusawa, considered the father of capitalism in Japan, Japanese are accustomed to change. Eliminating peoples’ played a major role. It was within this context where the interests at once would only create a force against the transportation sector saw a great amount of investment. government, something which was not the case in Japan. At the beginning of the Meiji period, the government Japan also strengthened its raw exports, such as silk, played an important role in the start-up of firms, but the when it began export primarily to the United States. But government quickly turned over to the private sector after it did not stop here, and it gradually created an export the advent of the industry. The government merely played market in the region by shifting from export to import, a supportive, and supervisory, role. In fact, it played a of goods like cotton, from India, and thereafter exporting complementary role. Industrialization in the Meiji period textiles to regional countries.

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Weekly Review Sessions: Japan’s Economic Development (Third Meeting)

The third meeting in the Faculty’s Weekly Review After the War, by establishing a fascist culture and series was held on Tuesday, June 19, 2018, in the the people’s disappointment with their political Andishe Hall of the Faculty of World Studies. The parties, Japan opted for more militarist policies session part of the Faculty’s program to explore which soon failed and parties again appeared on the experiences of various countries’ economic the political scene. Following the recession, using and social development, resumed with another its own economists’ recommendations, Japan lecture by Dr. Nahid Pourostami, Associate Dean succeeded in ending the crisis and entering a period of Research, Education and Postgraduate Studies, of rapid growth and consumption. and Associate Professor at the Department of But it did not take long for the new financial Southeast Asia and Pacific Studies at Faculty of crisis to bring Japan into long-term stagnation - World Studies. still ongoing. Today, Japan faces challenges such During her two previous lectures, Dr. Pourostami as low economic growth, negative inflation, an examined the economic and political conditions of aging population, and many social inequalities. Japan at the height of World War II and up to the The question is: can Shinzo Abe’s doctrine be a present, in the era of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. solution to the crisis?

Faculty of World Studies University of Tehran Spring & Summer 2018 Lectures, workshops, and conferences World Studies Newsletter 39

Weekly Review Sessions: History of Russian Economic Development (First Meeting)

The second session in the Faculty’s Weekly Review of the Tatars migrated to the Volga River and developed Sessions was held on Tuesday, May 8, 2018, in the farming around the banks of the River. Due to the lack of Farhang Hall of the Faculty of World Studies. The capital and confidence of the farmers in agriculture, the session is part of the Faculty’s program to explore the property owners provided land to farmers for agricultural experiences of various countries’ economic and social services. This group of farmers and landlords created a development with a country studies’ approach focusing special social class that was then to become the main in the economic fields. This session was commenced body of the cities of Pskov and Novgorod. with a lecture titled “A Review of History of Russian The third period focuses on the reign of the Rurik, Economic Development" by Dr. Ehsan Rasulinejad, and especially Ivan III. Ivan III implemented the Assistant Professor of the Russian Studies Department strategy of supplying agricultural land in exchange at the Faculty of World Studies. for military service on the borders of the country. In In his lecture, the period covering the eighth century addition, the development of the agriculture economy to the collapse of Tsarist Russia was examined in order to during this period was in the form of payment of wages become acquainted with the history of the development to farmers, taxes, lending to farmers by landlords, and of the Russian economy. The time period examined was the regulation of the transfer of lands. divided into several smaller groups; the development of The fourth period was during the rule of Romanov. the Russian economy during the period from the eighth This period saw an influx of foreign advisors in the fields to the thirteenth centuries; the thirteenth century to the of medicine, industrial development and education. In mid-fifteenth century; the mid-fifteenth century to the this period, most of the progress of Russian society is early seventeenth century; and from the seventeenth seen in economic and cultural terms within the reign of century through the mid-nineteenth century. Peter and Catherine the Great. The fourth period is the During the first period, the East Slavs near the period when economic development, modeled after the Samara River had established a commercial and Western developmental mold, was without any regards urban economy, where some of them held interests in to the culture and capacity of the Russian community, manufacturing goods and others in the slave trade and leading to the establishment of many factories, and some early forms of capitalism, and along with a non- the dissatisfaction and general disadvantage of the Slavic protectorate, the first social classes were formed agricultural class. The huge gap in the welfare and in Russia. The economic civilization of this valley was social income in the society and in the area of economic completely overthrown by the attack of the Tatars at the development created an external shock, similar to the end of the twelfth century. Russian-Japanese war and World War I, creating the In the second period, people who survived the attacks basis for the overthrow of Tsarist rule.

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Weekly Review Sessions: History of Russian Economic Development (Second Meeting)

The second meeting of the Weekly Review Sessions promote the indigenization of education, the introduction focusing on the experiences in economic development of the Kalkhoz instead of the Sakhoz, the development of countries, resumed with a presentation entitled “A of heavy industry and the forced displacement of the Review of History of Russian Economic Development labor force from the agricultural sector to the industrial by Dr. Ehsan Rasulinejad, Assistant Professor of the sector. The second development plan of the Soviet Russian Studies Program, on May 15, 2018 in the Union, under the threat of Japan from East and Germany Farhang Hall of the Faculty of World Studies. from the West, was being implemented with a focus on During the session, the economic development the development of the armed forces and the defense during the Soviet era was examined. The period after industry. Many economic thinkers credit this second the October 1917 Revolution, until the collapse of plan as one of the main reasons for the Soviet victory the Soviet Union in 1991, the economic development against Nazi Germany. policies, militant communism, its five-year economic With the death of Stalin, Soviet leaders pursued and development plans, Stalinism, and Perestroika, the policy of de-Stalinization. The period of Soviet were reviewed. economic prosperity, occurring from the mid-1950s The era of militant communism, a set of economic up to the 1973 oil crisis, was accompanied with the policies during the Russian Civil War, includes factors growth of agricultural production, the introduction of such as nationalization of lands, banks, control over Fordism into the Soviet Union, and the mechanization foreign and domestic trade, and the establishment of a of the agricultural sector. After the 1973 oil crisis, the system for distributing agricultural surplus all led by the Soviet economic downturn was accompanied by an state. This policy put in place from 1917 to 1919 led to increase in the economy’s dependence on oil and gas a halving of national production followed by the famine exports; and, due to Petrodollar’s abundance, the Soviet of 1920. Union did not consider the need to resolve the current With Lenin’s leadership, a new economic policy economic problems of the country as urgent. At the was introduced, with a basis on tax reforms, monetary same time, there was an increase in Soviet dependence reforms (introducing the Ruble), educational reforms on machinery and technology imports from the West. (the establishment of the Likbez system), and The period between 1984 and 1991, under the commercial and industrial reforms. In this period, we leadership of Gorbachev, Perestroika began with the two see improvements in the economic situation and an goals of controlling economic recession and developing increase in literacy rates all over the Soviet Union. social welfare, which was due to the fall in oil prices With Stalin’s leadership, the Soviet Union witnesses and the Western sanctions against the country due to the the start of its first five-year development plans. The Soviet intervention in Afghanistan. The collapse of the first development plans were implemented in order to Soviet economy in 1991 was a result of the complete advance the Leninist educational training system and closure of foreign banks’ credit channels.

Faculty of World Studies University of Tehran Spring & Summer 2018 Lectures, workshops, and conferences World Studies Newsletter 41

Weekly Review Sessions: History of Russian Economic Development (Third Meeting)

On Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at the Farhang Hall model since 2000, which was a combination of of the Faculty of World Studies, the third meeting both the Fascist and Chinese economic growth in a series of discussions on the history of the models. Policies led to vertical integration in development of the Russian economy, focused the economy, tax reforms, the stability of the on the post-Soviet era was held. Ruble, the attraction of American and European At the meeting, the economic policies put investment, and a political-economy that took forward by prime ministers under the Boris into consideration the development of the energy Yeltsin administration, such as Igor Guyard and sector. Also, the creation and development of the Chernomyrdin, the economic trends and crises Stabilization Fund in 2008, its buffer of oil and such as the Black Threat in 1994 and the 1998 gas crisis policy, and its integration in January financial crisis, were examined. Due to various 2018, were considered an optimal use of the economic policies, such as Boris Yeltsin’s surge in energy resources in Russia. government’s [shock therapy], economic policies Another issue raised by the World Bank was were not successful. The main reason for these the crisis in lack of confidence that emerged failures were the initial unrestricted entrance during the 2014-2015 fiscal year. This crisis has into the free market, and according to the Nobel been the cause of financial instability and capital Prize-winning economist, Joseph Stiglitz, the flight in the current Russian economy. existence of [grabbing hand] theory in the The continuation of the lecture was dedicated Russian economy. to examining the current Russian economy in Then, the lecturer focused on the economic terms of strength, weakness, opportunities, and policies of Kudrin, Vladimir Putin’s Finance threats, and finally, the state of natural gas, oil, Minister, and the Russian economic development exports, and banking, in Russia was examined.

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Weekly Review Sessions: A Review of Iraq’s Economic Development (First Meeting)

The seventh meeting of the Weekly Review series, economy experienced such a sharp decline despite its focusing on the economic experiences and development huge oil reserves, agricultural potential, water resources, of various countries under the rubric of country studies, as well as a relatively high rate of literacy and skilled was commenced on Monday, July 2, 2018 at the population with access to technology? Farhang Hall of the Faculty of World Studies. This Dr. Kohan Hooshnejad, further elaborated regarding session, lectured by Dr. Kohan Hooshnejad, Professor the aforementioned question stating that in addition to of the Faculty of World studies, was titled “the Review explaining this unprecedented fall, one could examine the of the Economic Development of Iraq”. important role of oil in Iraq economy. Thus Iraqi policies The focus of this session was on Iraq economy and programs during the 1950s, and the development during the second half of the 20th century, from 1950 plans of the regime (1958-1968) were further explained. to 1993. In the course of this period, according to Furthermore, the economic philosophy, strategies, and economic indicators, Iraq has seen sharp falls in its the development plans of the Ba’ath Party, and thereafter economy. This sharp fall, especially in terms of GDP per the halt in development due to the Iraq-Iran war lasting capita, occurred in overall growth and in its improved nearly a decade, and the economic consequences of the living standards. The relevant question is: why has Iraq Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, were elaborated on.

Weekly Review Sessions: A Review of Iraq’s Economic Development (Second Meeting) The eighth meeting of the Weekly Review series focusing on the experience of economic development of various countries under a rubric of country studies continued with a lecture on the “Review of the Economic Development of Iraq”, given by Dr. Kohan Hooshnejad on Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at the Farhang Hall of the have indicated sustaining a population of 21 million. Faculty of World Studies. Such a sharp drop in per capita GDP was about half a In the 1960s, Iraq’s real GDP, in 1980’s figures, was century of growth and improved living standards. approximately $ 8.7 billion USD. In 1979, it reached A comparison of these figures, internationally, $ 54 billion. In 1993, Iraq’s GDP fell to $ 10 billion, demonstrates that Iraq was at the top of the developed equivalent to the GDP in 1961. These figures indicate countries in the years before the invasion of Kuwait, in that the GDP of Iraq has gone down for three decades. terms of per capita GDP. In 1993, the average monthly However, these figures only represent a part of the income of the Iraqi people was lower than the monthly unique history of the Iraqi economy in the second half income of unskilled workers comparable to those in the of the twentieth century. While GDP in 1961 should Indian agriculture sector, one of the poorest countries in sustain 7 million people, while the GDP in 1993 would the world that year.

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Weekly Review Sessions: Overview of Iraq’s Economic Development (Third Meeting) Iraqi policies and programs of economic development during the monarchy (1950s) and after the development of the Republic regime (1958-1968) were examined. Subsequently, the economic philosophy, strategies and development plans of the Ba’ath Party were described up to the start of the eight-year war between Iraq and Iran (1980-1988). The tenth session of the Weekly Review series, Initially, the economic consequences of the Iraq covering the experience and economic development of invasion of Kuwait and then, the effects of the United various countries through the lens of country studies, Nations sanctions on Iraq economy, and the oil-for-food commenced with a lecture on the “Review of the program were examined. Further, the US-led invasion of Economic Development of Iraq, given by Dr. Kohan Iraq in 2003, the fall of the Ba’ath regime and the economic Hooshnejad, Professor of the Faculty of World Studies, outcomes of the Coalition Provisional Government and held on Monday, July 30, 2018 at the Farhang Hall policies (2003 and 2004) were covered. In conclusion, the of Faculty of World Studies. economic situation in Iraq since the beginning of the new Over the past two sessions, the crucial role of the political system in 2004 to the present were discussed and oil sector in the Iraq economy was examined. Then, the important economic indicators were given.

Weekly Review Sessions: A Review of the History of the Development of the British Economy The 9th session of the Weekly Review series, covering the experience of the economic development of the various countries, began with a lecture by Dr. Pirouz, on the “Review of the History of the Development of the British Economy”, held on Tuesday, July 24, 2018, in the Shora’a Hall of the Faculty of World Studies. At this meeting, the overall development of the UK economy from the very beginning up to the Second (alerting bank directors, boards, and implementing World War was examined. From the minting of coins fines, along with the dismissal and installation of a and the creation of money, until the colonialism of other new board of directors). nations, to the policy of the United Kingdom in relation Dr. Pirouz considers the two factors of Britain’s to other countries, were the subjects of the meeting. success credited to its colonization, the telegraph and The United Kingdom began to expand its business railway; these factors led to preventing domestic by setting up companies with the aim of trade and conflicts in the country, and the small population was commerce, coupled with pursuing its political goals. able to dominate a very populous India. This colonial Also, in some cases this was licensed by the church. spirit, which, of course, also existed in some other One of the most noteworthy institutions in the powerful countries, led countries such as Germany, as UK is the central bank, which, for example, prevents well as Japan, to enter war efforts in order to claim their bank failures in the future through strong oversight own colonies, leading them to enter the World Wars.

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Weekly Review Sessions: US Economy and its Impacts on Sanctions against Iran

The 11th session of the Weekly Review series, was entitled “US Economy and its Impacts on Sanctions against Iran”, with a lecture given by Dr. Amin Mohseni, a visiting professor at the Faculty of World Studies. This session was held at Farhang Hall of the Faculty of World Studies, on Wednesday, September 12, 2018. Dr. Mohseni, referred to the 2008 financial crisis, the US’s insistence on maintaining the prominent position of the dollar, adding that after the financial crisis, the US implemented monetary and financial China, by attempting to keep the value of the dollar sanctions on some of the most vulnerable, and high by curbing the activities and economies of these economically developing countries, including Russia countries. The relevant question is thus: have these to preserve the value of dollar. In addition, this created pressures through sanctions, really been more than in a climate of distrust for some countries, including their pre-financial crisis period?

The 9th Session of the Institute for North American and European Studies

The 9th session of the Institute for North American and Faculty of World Studies. European Studies, as part of the Program for Western In the introduction of the lecture two political and Studies from an Iranian Perspective, began with a cultural perspectives on Iran were presented, and a lecture given by Dr. Mohammad Reza Rikhtegaran, brief mention of the history of the formation the great Associate Professor of the Department of Philosophy empire of Iran on the Iranian plateau were made, citing of the Faculty of Literature and Humanities. The lecture Hegel that the principle of historical evolution begins on “A Survey of Iranian Culture and Civilization” was with Iran. Iranians were the first people in history and held on Monday, June 11, 2018, at the Iran Hall of the the first demised empire. The geographical location of

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Iran and its location at the crossroads between the East Islam is both spirit and body, and possess all truth and the West, and the North and the South, has resulted and completion. He also spoke about the Iranian in the influence of its culture to be absorbed by those confrontation with mysticism and how love is a major regions. subject within it and within Mazdaism. He cites He argued that in the field of history and Colman’s four-volume book, Iranian Islam, arguing civilization, it was possible to speak of the West and that his purpose is not to argue how Iranians created the East in absolute terms, dividing the East into three their own version but about what kind of events have parts, that is; Turan, Eastern Iran, and Eastern Greece, occurred in the spirit and existence of Iranians. Each placing Iran at the center. The professor referring tribe has its own ethnic appearance in Islam. He argues to the Shahnameh, described the adaptation of this that the sacredness of the Persian language possesses division present within the ancient mythology of King a kind of spirituality and it holds the spiritual essence Fereydoun. The two foundations of Chinese thought of Islam, through the line of Salman, referring to the are based on no-soul, and they believe in Anatman, verse "God bring forth a people of whom he will love and the Indian belief in Anatta. We find these ideas and they too will love him". Many commentators have in the universality of the Mazdian ideals in Iran that considered these people to be the Iranian people. Also are manifested in the goddess Diana. According to mentioned was the role of Iranians in promoting Islam linguists, Diana shares origins with religion. The more and the Arabic grammar. we become farther from East and become nearer to Dr. Mohammad Reza Rikhtegaran criticized the West and Greece, we see a move from spirituality of fact that today our link with cultural Iran is weakened. the soul to materiality of the body. According to him, "Not only that there is a political According to Dr. Mohammad Reza Rikhtegaran problem in Iran, but also, while keeping in touch Iran’s position mirrors that of the heart; that is it holds with the cultural Iran, we should hold politics in their a position between body and soul; he referenced place.” mystical texts proving that the heart is both soul and At the end of the meeting, questions and answers body, which is considered to have both physical and were also welcomed. spiritual aspects. Therefore, Iranian civilization has The following are works by Dr. Mohammad Reza been designated as the civilization of the universe, Rikhtegaran: a civilization taking the moderate position. The • Western Identity, Research Institute for Islamic professor of philosophy of the University of Tehran, Culture and Thought, 2015. considers the sprit the eyes of the heart, and the eyes of • Art and Aesthetics in East Asia, Academy of Arts, the head are the seat of power. He thus pointed to the 2009. civilization of Iran between the eyes of the head and • Truth and its Relations with Art, Sooreh Mehr, the eye of the heart, which is compounding of East and October 2006 West, and when the eyes of head function, then love • Art from the viewpoint of Martin Heidegger, Academy also comes forth. He considers Iran the multiplex of of Art, 2005. the East and the West, and considers Iran the land of • Phenomenology of the Art of Modernity, Saghi love. Accordingly, Iran is a world that is neither pure Publishing, 1382. spiritual nor purely corporeal, but a world of forms, • Logic and the topic of Hermeneutics, Congreh and the subject of debate in Iranian thinking be it Publishing, 1999. Mazdian or Shi’a. Also including his published articles: The professor dedicated the second part of his • The role of Wilhelm Dilthey in the foundation of speech to Islamic Iran; the emergence of Islam and human sciences and the defense of his objectivity, confrontation with Islam, the absolutizing of truth Sternology, 2018. in the previous periods, and what in philosophy and • The Basics of Comparative Philosophy from the mysticism is considered a change of name and truth. Viewpoint of Henry Corbin, Philosophy, 2005.

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Conference of Myth and Truth in China With the invitation of the FWS International Relations Office, Dr. Kim-Kung Chan, a leading Chinese scholar and professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, delivered a lecture on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 entitled "Myth and Truth in China: Their Emergence and their Role in the New World Order” at the Faculty of World Studies, Iran Hall. Dr. Chan, who had also traveled to Iran nearly two years ago, expressed his gratitude of his invitation to to the questions posed by the participants. the University of Tehran, and added: "My goal is in the Dr. Chan praised the FWS Library for exquisite exchange of knowledge." He called Iran the primary collections, and expressed his hope that a Chinese and most significant economic partner of China. Studies Program would soon be established. At the While examining the various political and end of the meeting, Dr. Chan was honored with a gift. economic dimensions of China, Dr. Chan responded He also signed the Faculty's memorial book.

Special Conference on the Recent Trends in Syria

At a special meeting held on April 30, 2018 in Iran that Iranians could not fully follow the developments. Hall of the Faculty of World Studies, Dr. Massoud He pointed out that Syria’s domestic policy has never Asadollahi, a writer and researcher of international been fully endorsed by Iran, however its foreign policy affairs, outlined the new developments occurring in in relation to Israeli and the U.S., including its defense of Syria, and clarified Iran’s positions on the country. resistance groups, attracted Iran towards Syria, all while In a meeting convened by the Faculty of World many armed Takfiri groups from all over have taken Studies and the Iranian World Studies Association, shape within Syria. Thus, the rhetoric that the entrance Dr. Asadollahi offered an analysis of the sociological of Iran as a Shi’a influence that has provoked the Sunnis process that led to the current conditions in Syria, and is completely inaccurate, given that way before Iran’s considered the Syrian war a geopolitical war, given involvement, the region was already involved in intense that the Syrian crisis is one of the most significant and acute conflict. crises in the 21st century, and moreover because of the Dr. Assadollahi, thus reiterated that developments involvement of many world players and governments in Syria, regardless of Iran’s internal developments, in the conflict. had already been forming and were not related to Employing a sociological framework, Dr. Asadollahi developments in Iran. analyzed the current situation in Syria and its relationship The conference was welcomed by professors and with Iran. He said that within Syria, a large amount of students of the faculty, along with a questions and relevant information is available in Arabic, resulting in answers by Dr. Asadollahi.

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Conference on Imam Zaman (aj) and Justice

Dr. Saeed Zibakalam, Associate Professor of the oppression. According to him, it is necessary first to Department of Philosophy at the University of Tehran, stop the process of corruption; however, this is not delivered a lecture entitled “Imam Zaman (aj) and possible except through asking and a return to civil Justice” at the Iran Hall of the University of Tehran’s protest, and, more precisely, the activation of the Faculty of World Studies, on May 1, 2018. public sphere. Dr. Zibakalam pointed to the issue of justice as At the end of the meeting, Dr. Zibakalam answered being central to issues of anti-corruption and anti- students’ questions.

Conference on Iran and Antarctica, A Trip to Antarctica

A special conference titled “Iran and Antarctica, The significance of the region in terms of A Trip to Antarctica” by Mir-Ali-Mohanna, UT environment, climate, and in geophysical terms, graduate, was delivered in Iran Hall of the Faculty which has resided in absolute silence and darkness, of World Studies. This session was held on Monday, as well as establishing a research base, has become May 14, 2018, at the invitation of the Faculty more competitive among states, especially since its of World Studies and the Iranian World Studies exploration began in 1519. At the end of the meeting, Association. his travel pictures and videos were also displayed. Antarctica accounts for 10 percent of the world’s total land area, with an area of 14 million square kilometers, whose glaciers covers approximately 30 to 35 million square kilometers, and has distinct and important features, including valuable freshwater resources with 200 underground lakes, four geographical magnetic poles, although inaccessible, and geometric properties, the coolest temperatures (up to 93 degrees below zero), and six months of daylight and six months of darkness.

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21st FWS General Council Session at the FWS Melal Hall. At the beginning of this meeting, with the cooperation of our fellow colleague of Informatics, Mr. Farshad Arjomand Kermani, working with the Project Management Information System (PMIS) about paying grants was discussed with the faculty members. In the course of the meeting, the Faculty members discussed the current issues; the deadline for the The twenty-first session of the General Council of submission of final grades until July 10; doctoral the Faculty of World Studies was held on Monday interviews on July 1; the master's interview on July 20; morning June 25, 2018 with the presence of the the summer break; the method and quantity of referees honorable board of directors and faculty members of for dissertations; and how to hold a thesis defense session.

22nd FWS General Council Session The twenty-second session of the General Council of the Faculty of World Studies was held on Monday morning, September 17, 2018, with the presence of the members of the council and the faculty as well as Dr. Mahmoud Kamarei, Secretary General of the Committee of Board of Auditors of the University of Tehran. During this meeting, Dr. Kamarei presented a detailed explanation of the new edition of the annual direction of the faculty and emphasized the mission promotion system, and the promotion of the faculty of teaching by professors and the need for more members of the University of Tehran, and answered dynamism in the production of academic work. In the questions of the professors. Then, Dr. Seyyed the final part of the meeting, Dr. Nahid Pourostami, Saeid Reza Ameli, the FWS Dean, highlighed the Associate Dean of Education, Research and Graduate virtues of the month of Muharram and the greatness Studies, and Dr. Amir Bahram Arabahmadi, Deputy of the Imam Hussain’s uprising. He then pointed to Dean for International Affairs of the Faculty of the beginning of the academic year of 2018-2019 World Studies, mentioned some points about the as the continuation of the educational and research internal affairs of the faculty.

The Peer Review Workshop was held at the FWS The workshop entitled “How to Review a Manuscript” was held at the Faculty on 16 April 2018. This two-hour-long workshop was instructed by Alireza Salehi Nejad, who is recognized as the Top Reviewer in Social Sciences by Publons and received the Sentinel of Science Award in 2016, and the Excellent Reviewer Award in 2017. This workshop focused on the purpose, process, and responsibilities in peer review, and outlined constructive criticism and meaningful feedback to authors and editors. The covered topic in the workshop were including types of peer review, how to review a manuscript, what makes a good reviewer, examples of constructive feedback, case studies from COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), and review assignments.

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Top Education News

Scientific Interview of PhD Applicants at FWS

Scientific interview exam for Ph.D. applicants each of the five disciplines and presented their in the programs of the North American, French, academic works. Russian and Iranian Studies was held at the Faculty The average score of the written exam and oral of World Studies, University of Tehran, on Sunday, interview were sent to the National Organization for July 1, 2018. During the scientific interview, Educational Testing (Sanjesh), and after finalizing students answered questions by the professors of them, were announced through the Sanjesh website.

Scientific Interview of MA Applicants at FWS

Interviews for shortlisting the MA applicants announced in the country. by the National Organization for Educational Testing The total score of the written and oral tests of (Sanjesh) was held at the Faculty of World Studies on the students interviewed was sent to the National Sunday, July 15, 2018 Organization for Educational Testing (Sanjesh) and, 265 MA applicants for different programs of African after finalization, was announced through the Sanjesh Studies, German Studies, North American Studies, website. Latin American Studies, British Studies, Russia Studies, Japan Studies, Arab countries Studies, French Studies, and Indian Studies participated in entrance exam interviews at the Faculty of World Studies. On this very exciting day, the applicants, after delivering their documents and after taking the language exam, were guided to eight rooms prepared for interviews with the professors of the different disciplines offered by the Faculty. Some of the students, expressed to the Public Relations personal of the Faculty, that they chose this faculty because it was possible to get acquainted with the countries under study with the language of the country, which is not possible at any other university

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Faculty Members’ Academic Activities FWS Dean & African Studies Head Lecture at “Historical, Cultural and Civilizational Exchange Relations between Iran and East Africa” Seminar empowerment, the path of colonialism will not be continuous as it may have been in the past. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to theories of peace, and solutions for global peace. The Dean of the Faculty of World Studies, in a series of interviews with Dar Islam TV expressed his views on the cultural challenges in the development of At the invitation of the Islamic Culture and Relations cyberspace, such as the exacerbation of non-conventional Organization, Dr. Seyyed Saeid Reza Ameli, Dean of spaces, the advancements in science and technology, the the Faculty of World Studies, and Dr. Amir Bahram development of American technology, the rise of identity Arabahmadi, Head of the African Studies Department, crises, and the development of pluralism and relativism. traveled to Tanzania throughout Aptil 12-16 for a Dr. Arabahmadi, head of the African Studies seminar on Iran and East Africa. At this seminar, held Department at the Faculty of World Studies, also at the University of Dar al-Salaam with the help of the referred to the migration of Iranians to East Africa in Iranian Cultural Attaché to Tanzania, scholars from the early seventh century, and the establishment of a the universities of Iran, Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya government founded by the people of Shiraz in parts of discussed Iran-East Africa relations from different the East African coast and islands. He then examined perspectives and suggested their opinions regarding the deep influence of the Persian language on Swahili expanding of the relations between Iran and African literature, mentioning some of Iran's great poets, such as countries of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Ferdowsi, Saadi, Hafez and Khayyam, each with some Dr. Ameli, FWS Dean and professor of the American kind of influence on the Swahili literary system. He also Studies Department, examined the cultural relationship alluded to some Persian words that are spoken in the between Iran and Tanzania, emphasizing the constructive Swahili language today, used in daily conversations of role of cultural independence in the relations by pointing the people of East Africa. to some objective examples. He noted that the current era In the final section of his speech, he mentioned the is the era of entering into the centralization of culture, relative influence of the Swahili language and literature adding that centralization of culture boosts the strategic on popular culture of the people living in the southern role of culture and at the same time has complicated the regions of Iran. engineering of culture in the dualization of space. At the end of this seminar, the members of the Faculty He then explained the premises in intercultural of World Studies, along with other professors, responded communication, and emphasized the intertwined nature to the questions of the participants. of the world in the area of culture and the principle of In addition, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of "situation exchange". He then called having respect Iran to Tanzania, two professors from Sistan-Baluchestan, for value principles and intercultural sensitivities as and one professor from the Yazd province, all along with the path to achieving independence and intercultural professors from universities of Kenya, Tanzania, and cooperation. According to Dr. Ameli, the paths of the Uganda were among the participants of this seminar. dominant and hostile powers will not change, and the At the end of this seminar, Iranian scholars visited path of confrontation will expand day by day. It can be some of the historical monuments of the Shirazi colonial said that with an increase in awareness and individual era during a one-day trip to the Zanzibar archipelago.

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FWS Students’ Academic Activities

Fatima Bhutto’s work, Songs of poem into English, she has also Blood and Sword (Memories of featured the original poem in Farsi a Child), translated by Seyade at her beginning of the book. Nastaran Pezeshki, a graduate Fatima Bhutto, is the daughter of student at the Faculty of World Murtaza Bhutto and granddaughter Studies of the Egyptian Studies of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. Fatima has a Department, has been recently keen interest in Syria and describes published by Azmayr Publications. her childhood memories of meeting The work has been translated from with Hafiz al-Assad. English to Persian, and contains This book is useful for World 22 chapters (637 pages) and Studies, especially in the field of contains the memoirs by Fatima India and Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bhutto during important events West Asia (Middle East) and in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the studying contemporary political Middle East, and the world. The history. work is written in a narrative style, Seyeda Nastaran Pezeshki has providing a good documentation authored and translations other of each event, along with a series of family and works, such as three poetry books in Persian, English historical portraits of the Bhutto family. and Arabic. Bhutto took the title of this work from the famous A copy of this work is available at the Library of the poem by Khosrow Golsorkhi. While translating this Faculty of World Studies.

Publication of Students’ Article in Mgimo University Magazine The scientific article of Tohid Asadi and Marzieh Javadi, PhD students in American Studies, Faculty of World Studies has been published in international journal of Mgimo University of Moscow. This article has also been indexed in web of science. Kissinger called this publication as Russian Harvard, due to graduates like Ilham Aliyev, Sergey Lavrov, Yuri Ushakov. In this article, the presidential and congressional relations are examined in the US foreign policy decision making. This article is available at http:// www.vestnik.mgimo.ru/en/razdely/research- articles/presidential-congressional-relations-us- foreign-policy-decision-making.

Faculty of World Studies University of Tehran Spring & Summer 2018 52 World Studies Newsletter

Book Presentation

Book Presentation: Urban Identity Symbols: Paris, Madrid, Istanbul, and Kyoto Dr. Sayyed Saeid Reza Ameli, Dean of the Faculty of focuses on the concepts of urban identity, landscape, World Studies, presented his latest book, Urban Identity and symbols. The second chapter, "The Cultural Symbols: Paris, Madrid, Istanbul, and Kyoto published Identity and the Cultural Symbols of Paris: From Past by University of Tehran Press. to Present," is devoted to the study of the city of Paris. First, general information and history of the city are Introduction presented, and then the structure and components of The book of Urban Identity Symbols: Paris, Madrid, architecture, urban programs and its experiences over Istanbul, and Kyoto describes the experience of four time, with reference to factors of identity, are examined major cities of the world. The prominence of these in more detail. General information about Paris four cities lies in its preservation of the legacy of including the geographical and climatic conditions their civilization and identity, while integrating new of the city, the significance and role of the nearby elements of a new urban class. The city of Paris reflects rivers in the history and geography of the city, the Christian civilization while at the same time symbolizes demographic characteristics and economy of Paris, the the distinctive unification of the old and new parts old and new history of the city, and important historical of the city. The city of Madrid is also representative events, urbanization, its infrastructure, transportation of Christian civilization, while having the advantage system, education, social security, health and sports of Islamic civilization in its heritage, it illustrates the and entertainment, together with relevant statistics, conjunction of the two cultures: Islamic and Christian. architectural styles of the old and new Paris, as well The city of Kyoto represents the Confucian civilization, as the development of public space of the city, are which is the symbolic and cultural capital of Japan. discussed. Last but not least, the city of Istanbul is a thousand- The third chapter of the book, "Identity and Cultural year-old city and the site of the crossroads between the Symbols of the City of Madrid: From Past to Present, two major continents of the world: Asia and Europe, and Reflection of the Islamic Period," reviews the urban and somehow has attained the identity of the two experience, whose history began twelve centuries civilizations. ago and has undergone profound religious changes, Accordingly, in this book, the four cities are a experienced internal and external wars, the formation sample of cities with a rich historical and cultural of independent identities, and the city's history with heritage, which have been successful in maintaining its architectural features, depicts various values and their identities throughout their existence. beliefs, and displays its cultural content. In this chapter, general information on the geographic, demographic, Introducing the book political and economic situation, the old and new Urban Identity Symbols: Paris, Madrid, Istanbul, and history of the city, the public spaces of the city, and the Kyoto was published by the University of Tehran Press government's policies in preserving the spatial identity in 1396 with 566 pages and contains table of contents, and strengthening the sense of belonging are presented. dictionary and index. The fourth chapter, "Identity and Cultural Symbols This book is divided into five chapters. In the first of the City of Istanbul: From Past to Present", explores chapter, “Identity and Cultural Symbols of the City" the identity, and cultural symbols of the city of Istanbul.

Faculty of World Studies University of Tehran Spring & Summer 2018 Book Presentation World Studies Newsletter 53

This chapter, while studying the city of Istanbul with an adaptive approach, explores the history of the city, urban infrastructure, architecture styles of the city, public arenas, its historical and cultural heritage, the status of religion and religious symbols in the city, the representation of identity and symbolism in art, cyberspace, and media, as well as government policies in the areas of identity and cultural. The fifth chapter, "Identity and Cultural Symbols of the City of Kyoto: From Past to Present", is dedicated to the experience and history of the city of Kyoto as the cultural capital of Japan. In this chapter, after briefly mentioning general information, the history of Kyoto, religious symbols, urban architectural styles, identity and symbols in its architecture, urbanization, the public spaces of Kyoto, the symbolic representation of the city in media and cyber space, are outlined, as well as policies for preserving the city and protecting the national and local heritage. Finally, in the conclusion of the book, a summary of the discussions has been presented.

"Urban Identity Symbols: Paris, Madrid, Istanbul, and Kyoto" The book provides an experience that deal with concerns over programing and organizing urban centers, specifically cities that exhibit various experiences of identity and heritage. In fact, based on a comparative study of cities with multiple identities, it is imperative not only to improve the methods of urban planning and architecture based on elements of identity, but also, in light of international experiences, research and development of urban planning schemes, policies, and action plans of other metropolises that are involved with many issues related to urban design and management, making the study of their paths and their progress in maintaining urban identity, useful. Manijheh Akhavan Faculty of Communications, University of Tehran

Faculty of World Studies University of Tehran Spring & Summer 2018 54 World Studies Newsletter

International Conferences and Participation

Name Academic Rank Department Country Program Duration Dr. Saeid Reza Full Professor American Tanzania Conference of Iranian 11-16 April Ameli Studies; and and East of African 2018 Iranian Studies Cultural- Scientific-Civilly Relations

Dr. Amir-Bahram Assistant Central and Tanzania Conference of Iranian 11-16 April Arabahmadi Professor Southern African and East of African 2018 Studies Cultural- Scientific-Civilly Relations

Dr. Foad Izadi Assistant American Germany Critical Station of Yamen 11-12 April Professor Studies Workshop 2018

Dr. Mahdi Ahouie Assistant Iranian Studies Italy Political Geography, 16-19 April Professor Nuclear Productions and 2018 Middle East Workshop

Dr. Mojtaba Associate Western Asia Balkan The Mission of 7-17 July 2018 Rahmandoost Professor and Northern Chariitable Council African Stufies

Dr. Saeid Reza Full Professor American Spine International Conference 16-22 July Ameli Studies; and of Middle East Studies 2018 Iranian Studies

Dr. Hasan Hosseini Assistant North American USA Muslim Conference 7 July- 9 Professor Studies August 2018

Dr. Jahangir Karami Associate Russian, Russia 3rd Conference of 10-12 Professor Cocassion & Political Sciences of September Central Asian Russian Association 2018 Studies

Dr. Jahangir Karami Associate Russian, Russia Researcher in Mosque 23 September Professor Cocassion & University 2018- 20 Central Asian January 2019 Studies

Dr. Hasan Assistant Western Asia USA Research Opportunity Extension Ahmadian Professor and Northern African Stufies

Faculty of World Studies University of Tehran Spring & Summer 2018 World Studies Newsletter 55

PhD Dissertations Student Major Defense Date Dissertation Title Supervisor Adviser Referee

Mohammad American Sep. 29, 2018 Obama’s ”Pivot to Dr. Hasan Dr. Seyyed Dr. Mehdi Khoshheykal Studies Asia” Policy (2011- Hosseini & Dr. Kazem Ahouie, Azad 2016): The Case of Mohammadali Sajadpour Dr. Nahid China Mousavi Pourrostami & Mohammadreza Dehshiri

Elahe Noori American Sep. 29, 2018 USA Leadership Dr. Hasan Dr. Maryam Dr. Ali Feizollahi, Gholamizadeh Studies in Latin America’s Hosseini & Dr. Haghrusta Dr. Nahid Leading Mohammadali Pourrostami & Economies during Mousavi Mohammadreza Barack Obama’s Dehshiri Administration (2009-2107)

MA Theses

Student Major Defense Date MA Theses Supervisor Adviser Referee

Antony Grivs Iranian Studies Sep. 10, 2018 Privatisation of Dr. Ebrahim Dr. Reza Dehghan Dr. Shahoo State-Owned Mohseni Sabbar, Dr. Amin Enterprises: A Mohseni Comparison between Iran and Turkey

Tim Retig Iranian Studies Sep. 12, 2018 The Entrepreneurial Dr. Ebrahim Dr. Mohammad Dr. Shahoo Orientation of Mohseni Samiei Sabbar, Dr. Sajad Iranian University Barkhordari Students: A Comparative Study Using Data from Five Different Countries

Hasan Eskandari South African Sep. 18, 2018 Comparative Study Dr. Taraneh Dr. Amir Bahram Dr. Ali Studies of Resistance in Bourbour Arabahmadi Golmohammadi, Iran-Iraq War Dr. Reza Bagheri Cinema and Anti- Apartheid Cinema

Nasrin South African Sep. 18, 2018 Muslims and Dr. Hadi Dr. Taraneh Bourbour Dr. Hamideh Mohammadpour Studies Christians Co- Borhani Molaei, Dr. Reza Existence in Post-11 Bagheri September South Africa

Faculty of World Studies University of Tehran Spring & Summer 2018 56 World Studies Newsletter

Student Major Defense Date MA Theses Supervisor Adviser Referee

Mahsa Alimadadi Germany Jun. 12, 2018 Die Untersuchung Dr. Yunes Stephan Piasecki Dr. Abbas Studies des Norbakhsh Mehregan, Zusammenhangs Dr. Hossein zwischen der Hasankhan Wirkung der Rock-Musik und dem Lebensstil der iranischen und deutschen Jugend, die sich für Rock- Musik interessieren Samira Ghanbari Germany Jun. 12, 2018 Sparsamkeit – eine Dr. Yunes Dr. Mohammadreza Dr. Abbas Studies deutsche Tugend? Norbakhsh Doostizadeh Mehregan, Dr. Ali Eine Ghazanfari kultursoziologische Betrachtung des Sparverhaltens der Deutschen in der Geschichte, mit einem Überblick über das Sparverhalten in Iran

Samaneh Ekvan American Sep. 22, 2018 The Role of U.S. Dr. Foad Izadi Dr. Zohreh Kharazmi Dr. Hamed Studies Congress in Mousavi % Implementing Dr. Elham Coercive Diplomacy: Kadkhodaie The Case of Iran’s Nuclear Program (2014-2017)

Mohammadali American Sep. 24, 2018 Black Social Dr. Hasan Dr. Zohreh Kharazmi Dr. Reza Bagheri Shafiee Studies Movements in the Hosseini % Dr. Elham United States: The Kadkhodaie Case of Black Lives Matter

Saied American Sep. 26, 2018 Continuity and Dr. Hasan Dr. Saied Reza Ameli Dr. Zohreh Mohammadi Studies Change of American Hosseini Kharazmi, Dr. Identity Politics: Reza Bagheri The Case of Latinos in the Twenty-First Century

Borna Danesh American Sep. 29, 2018 Malcolm X Before, Dr. Hasan Dr. Zeinab Ghasemi Dr. Zohreh Studies During, and After Hosseini & Dr. Heshmat Sadat Kharazmi & Dr. Nation of Islam Moeinifar Maziyar Mozafari Falarti

Faculty of World Studies University of Tehran Spring & Summer 2018 MA Theses World Studies Newsletter 57

Student Major Defense Date MA Theses Supervisor Adviser Referee

Hossein Safari Latin American Sep. 24, 2018 Estudio comparativo Dr. Maryam Dr. Jahangir Karami Dr. Ali Feizollahi Studies del proceso de Haghroosta & Dr. Alireza integración regional Omidbakhsh en Europa y América Latina; estudio de caso: ALADI y Unión Europea

Sayavash Biritish Studies Sep. 13, 2018 British Foreign Dr. Dr. Mohammad Dr. Zohreh Chavoshi Policy under Hesameddin Soltaninejad Kharazmi & the New Labour Vaez zadeh Dr.Hamira Government: Moshirzadeh Securitization of Iran Nuclear Dossier (2002-2007)

Talir Radmanesh Biritish Studies Sep. 22, 2018 Film analysis of Dr. Yunes Dr. Mohammad Reza Dr. Rouhollah Atonement (2007) Shokrkhah Saeid Abadi Hosseini & Dr. (an adaptation Mohammad of McEwan’s Bagher novel) based on Ghahramani Adaptation theory: case study

Ebrahim Amini Biritish Studies Sep. 22, 2018 Muslim Political Dr. Dr. Saeid Reza Ameli Dr. Yunes Engagement in Mohammad Shokrkhah & Britain after 9/11 Reza Saeid Mohammadreza (2001-2005): Abadi Dehshiri Case Study of the Coalitions between Muslims and the Leftist Groups

Omid Tamrabadi Biritish Studies Sep. 22, 2018 The British Security Dr. Dr. Zeinab Approach towards Hesameddin Ghasemi Tari the Iran – Iraq War Vaez zadeh & Dr. Mandana Tisheyar

Donya Barati Biritish Studies Sep. 22, 2018 British Military Dr. Dr. Zeinab Policy under Hesameddin Ghasemi Tari Conservative Vaez zadeh & Dr. Mandana Party towards Tisheyar the (Persian) Gulf Cooperation Council since 2010

Aroy Sadat Biritish Studies Sep. 23, 2018 Analysis of Role of Dr. Reza Dr. Zeinab Ghaem Maghami Muslim Schools on Bagheri Ghasemi Tari Muslims’ Integration & Dr. Elham or Isolation in Kadkhodaie Britain

Faculty of World Studies University of Tehran Spring & Summer 2018 58 World Studies Newsletter

Student Major Defense Date MA Theses Supervisor Adviser Referee

Ehsan Abdpllahi French Studies Sep. 22, 2018 L’image de la Dr. Roya Dr, Rouhollah Dr. Hadi culture française Letafati Hosseini Dolatabadi dans les universités & Dr. Abbad iraniennes et le rôle Farhadnejhad de l’enseignant dans sa transmission Mohsen Haghbin Russian Studies Jul. 29, 2018 The representation Dr. Masoud Dr. Elahe Karimi Dr. Shahoo of Iran in the Russian Kosari Sabbar & Dr. news agencies: RIA Alireza Noori Novosti and Interfax Zahra Naderi Russian Studies Sep. 10, 2018 The Influence Dr, Bahram Dr. Khodayar Barari Dr. Ehsan of Geopolitical Amir Rasoulinejad & Factors in Iranian Ahmadian Dr. Hamidreza & Russian Security Azizi Cooperation in West Asia Reza Omidi Russian Studies Sep. 16, 2018 The Act of Russia & Dr. Akbar Dr. Khodayar Barari Dr. Ehsan Monfared Nato in Black See Valizadeh Rasoulinejad and its view & Dr. Babak Naderpour Shahabedin Russian Studies Sep. 17, 2018 Trade Potentials Dr. Jahangir Dr. Ehsan Dr. Nahid Shokri between Iran and Karami Rasoulinejad Pourrostami & Russia: Feasibility of Dr. Mahmoud Development Shouri Maryam Darini Russian Studies Sep. 17, 2018 Comparison of Dr. Zahra Dr. Elaheh Karimi Dr. Abouzar Cultural System Mohammadi Ebrahimi of Soviet Union & Torkaman & Dr. Russia Nahid Tajedini Fereshteh Abniki Russian Studies Sep. 22, 2018 Iranian Food Exports Dr. Nahid Dr. Ehsan Dr. Khodayar to Russia; Capacities Pourrostami Rasoulinejad Barari & Dr. and Obstacle Babak Naderpour

Maryam Mojazi Russian Studies Sep. 22, 2018 Education, Training Dr. Zahra Dr. Elaheh Karimi Dr. Jahangir and National Identity Mohammadi Karami & Dr. in Russia (Based on Seyed Rasoul Content Analysis of Moosavi 10th Grade History Book) Mahdiye Salari Russian Studies Sep. 23, 2018 Cultural Diplomacy: Dr. Zahra Dr. Elaheh Karimi Dr. Khodayar Structure, Function Mohammadi Barari & Dr. Abtin & Outcome Golkar

Amanrh Dehghan Iraq Studies Jun. 30, 2018 A Comparison of the Dr. Hamideh Dr. Hasan Abedini Dr. Ahmad Sadat News IRNA and of Molaei & Dr. Hasan Iraq Official News Lasjerdi Agency with Regards the Stance of Shia Parties to Alabadi Reforms from 2014 to 2016

Faculty of World Studies University of Tehran Spring & Summer 2018 MA Theses World Studies Newsletter 59

Student Major Defense Date MA Theses Supervisor Adviser Referee

Ahmad Ebadiniya Iraq Studies Oct. 3, 2018 The Effect of Dr. Yunes Dr. Rouhollah Dr. Mohammad Tourism Attractions Norbakhsh Kohannoushnejhad Soltaninejhad & & Repellent in Adnan Tahmasebi Khosestan Province on Iraqi Tourism for Medical Services

Mohammad Palestinian Sep. 23, 2018 Dimensions & Dr. Javad Dr. Seyyed Hadi Dr. Hamidreza Hasan Moalem Studies Consequences Rekabi Sharbaf Borhani Dehghani Poudeh Moving American & Dr. Esmayil Embassy from Tel Eghbal Aviv to Jerusalem

Taghi Dadkhah Palestinian Sep. 22, 2018 The Function of Dr. Javad Dr. Seyyed Hadi Dr. Ehsan Studies Military Export in Rekabi Sharbaf Borhani Rasulinejad & Dr. Israel Esmayil Eghbal Foreign Policy

Ehsan Safarzadeh Palestinian Sep. 29, 2018 The votes & Dr. Javad Dr. Mohammad Dr. Mojtaba Studies Fuctions of Shia Rekabi Sharbaf Soltaninrjad Rahmandoost Scholars about & Dr. Palestin Mohammadreza Zaeri Salman Palestinian Sep. 29, 2018 Convergence and Dr. Seyyed Dr. Mohammad Dr. Mostafa Mahmoudi Studies divergence factors Hadi Borhani Soltaninrjad Rahmandoost in Saudi-Israeli & Dr. Esmayil relations Eghbal

Vedad Zade Egyptian Sep. 11, 2018 The Changes of Dr. Aliakbar Dr. Mohammad Dr. Mohammad Boghlani Studies Political Thoughts Alikhani Mousa Soltaninrjad & Dr. of four Egypt Esmayil Eghbal Scientifics from 2011 to 2018

Mojtaba Amani Egyptian Sep. 18, 2018 Muslim Dr. Javad Dr. Hasan Ahmadiyan Dr. Abbas Hamedani Studies Brotherhood and Rekabi Sharbaf Khameyar & Dr. Government in Mohammad Egypt Moosa

Ehsan Egyptian Oct. 1, 2018 The Reasons of Dr. Seyyed Dr. Mohammad Dr. Seyyed Hadi Ghanadzadeh Studies Salafi movement Ahmad Saddat Soltaninrjad Borhani & Dr. Development in Mohammad Sina After Egypt Moosa Revelousion in 1102

Fatemeh Khalili Indian Studies Jul. 24, 2018 Indian IT Industry: Dr. Dr. Nahid Dr. Sadrodin Gonerment’s Mohammad Pourrostami Moosavi Jashni Policies & Acts in Ali Moosavi & Mandana Development Tisheyar

Faculty of World Studies University of Tehran Spring & Summer 2018 60 World Studies Newsletter

A List of Women’s Studies Associations and Centers (First List)

Elaheh Nourigholamizadeh, PhD Candidate of American Studies, Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran

National Women’s Studies Association Indian Association for Women’s Studies (IAWS)

http://www.iaws.org/ https://www.nwsa.org/ IAHR Women Scholars Network Women’s Studies Association (NZ)/Pae

Akoranga Wāhine

http://www.wsanz.org.nz/

Rural Women’s Studies Association http://www.iahrweb.org/wsn/

WHEN - Women in Higher Education Network

https://whenequality.org/ https://www.ohio.edu/cas/history/institutes- associations/rwsa/ Women’s International Studies Europe (WISE) http://www.wise.medinstgenderstudies.org/ Australian Women’s and Gender Studies Association International Network of Women’s Funds (INWF)

https://awgsa.org.au/ http://www.inwf.org/

Faculty of World Studies University of Tehran Spring & Summer 2018 A List of Women’s Studies Associations.... World Studies Newsletter 61

Women’s Funding Network schedule/ Advanced Thematic Network in Activities in Women’s Studies in Europe (ATHENA)

http://www.womensfundingnetwork.org/

Prospera International Network of Women’s Funds http://www.let.uu.nl/womens_studies/athena/

Iranian Association of Women’s Studies http://www.prospera-inwf.org/?option=com_user&a mp%3Bamp%3Bamp%3Bamp%3Bamp%3Bamp%3 Bamp%3Bview=register#!/-our-story/ http://iraws.ir/page/11/Introduction

Women’s Gender Studies African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF)

http://awdf.org/who-we-are/ https://www.dawsoncollege.qc.ca/womens-gender- Center for Women’s Studies (CWS), University of studies/ Tehran

Women’s Institute for Freedom of the Press (WIFP) http://ut.ac.ir/en/page/560/center-for-women-s- studies-cws-

Women’s Studies Centre, Palestine http://www.wifp.org/

The European Association for Gender Research, http://www.wsc-pal.org/ Education and Documentation Women’s Studies Center

http://www.zenskestudie.edu.rs/en/about-us https://atgenderconference2017.wordpress.com/

Faculty of World Studies University of Tehran Spring & Summer 2018 62 World Studies Newsletter

Center for Women’s Studies, Marmara University The Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (Le Centre d’études féminines et d’études de genre)

https://www.marmara.edu.tr/en/research/res-and- appl-centres/center-for-womens-studies/ http://www2.univ-paris8.fr/ef/spip.php?article2 Centre for Women’s Studies, University of York Center for Women’s Studies, Colgate University

https://www.york.ac.uk/womens-studies/

Centre for Women’s Studies, Zagreb, Croatia http://www.colgate.edu/academics/departments-and- programs/women’s-studies/center-for-women’s-studies

Centre for Gender and Women’s Studies, https://eurogender.eige.europa.eu/users/centre- Lancaster University womens-studies-zagreb-croatia

Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS), University of the Philippines http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/sociology/research/ research-centres/centre-for-gender-and-womens- studies/ https://cws.up.edu.ph/ Centre for Gender Studies, University of Groningen Center for Women’s Studies (CWS), Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU)

https://www.rug.nl/research/ centrumgenderstudies/?lang=en

Centre for Gender and Women’s Studies, Trinity College Dublin https://www.emu.edu.tr/en/research/research-centers/ center-for-womens-studies-cws/1267

https://www.tcd.ie/cgws/

Faculty of World Studies University of Tehran Spring & Summer 2018 A List of Women’s Studies Associations.... World Studies Newsletter 63

Centre for Women’s and Gender Research, Women’s Studies Program, Agnes Scott College University Of Bergen

https://www.agnesscott.edu/womensstudies/ https://www.uib.no/en/skok Gender Studies Program, Adelphi University (NY) https://gender-studies.adelphi.edu/ Centre for Gender Studies, University of Cambridge Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Albion College

https://www.gender.cam.ac.uk/ https://www.albion.edu/academics/departments/ The Center for Gender Studies (SKF), Norwegian womens-and-gender-studies/ University of Science and Technology Women’s and Gender Studies, Alma College

https://www.ntnu.edu/kult/units/skf https://www.alma.edu/academics/womens-and- gender-studies/ Centre for Women’s and Gender Research, University of Tromsø Women’s and Gender Studies, Alverno College

https://www.alverno.edu/academics/ http://en.uit.no/om/enhet/forsiden?p_dimension_ academicdepartments/schoolofartssciences/ id=88183 womensgenderstudies/

Centre for Gender Research, University of Oslo Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program (WGSS), American University

https://www.american.edu/cas/wgss/index.cfm https://www.stk.uio.no/english/

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Women and the Law Program, Washington College of Law

https://cla.auburn.edu/womensstudies/ https://www.wcl.american.edu/impact/initiatives- Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies, programs/gender/ Augsburg University

Sexuality, Women’s & Gender Studies, Amherst College

http://www.augsburg.edu/womensstudies/

Women’s and Gender Studies, Augusta University

https://www.amherst.edu/academiclife/departments/ sexuality_womens_gender_studies https://www.augusta.edu/pamplin/womens-gender- Gender, Women’s and Sexuality Studies (GWS), studies/ Appalachian State University Women’s and Gender Studies, Augustana College

https://gws.appstate.edu/

Women’s Studies Center, Aquinas College https://www.augustana.edu/academics/areas-of-study/ womens-and-gender-studies

https://www.aquinas.edu/womens-studies

Women and Gender Studies program, Arizona State University

https://sst.clas.asu.edu/women-and-gender-studies Women’s Studies Program, Auburn University

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Ceremonies

Dean Honoring FWS Veterans

April 21, 2018 (4 Sha'ban 1439 Lunar year) was the yet in a symbolic expression of gratitude, Dr. Ameli, occasion of the birth of Hazrat Abolfazl al-Abbas (AS), the FWS Dean, accompanied by Dr. ArabAhmadi also called as the Day of the Veterans. Although no FWS adviser of International Affairs, attended the words, expressions or any action could not appreciate offices of these loved ones in celebrating their sacrifice the efforts and sacrifices of the veterans and martyrs; and devotion during the eight years of the Sacred Defense. Despite the passing of 30 years since the end of the Sacred Defense, the names and the selflessness of these loved ones in the way of divine values and protecting the land of Revolution, always remain in the memory of all the Iranians. The commemoration of this great day is a symbol of national respect for the people who spread their umbrella of sacrifice and passion, so that we would live in peace and security.

Congratulations on the birthday anniversary of Imam Mahdi

On the birthday anniversary of Imam Mahdi (AS), FWS Dean hosted the Faculty members and staff on Tuesday, May 1, 2018. In this gathering, Massoud Shajareh. Chairman of Islamic Human Rights Commission was also present.

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Congratulations on Eid al-Fitr

After one month of prayers and fasting during the faculty members and staff on Sunday June 12, holy month of Ramadhan, FWS Dean hosted the 2018 to celeberate Eid al-Fitr.

Celebrating Clerks’ Day, Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha

The occasions of Clerks’ Day, Eid al-Fitr & Eid al- Adha, were celebrated at the Mellal Hall of the Faculty on September 2, 2018. Dr. Ameli FWS Dean, Dr. Sharbaf Deputy for Administration and Finance Office, and Dr. ArabAhmadi, Deputy for International Affairs hosted this gathering. In this gathering, in which Faculty members were also present, Dr. Ameli thanked Ms. Boveiri with an Appreciation Letter as Faculty’s best employee in spring 2018, and appreciated Mr. Feizollah Mahmoudi and Sadeq Afshar for their good works. Those whose birthday anniversary was in the first half of the year were also given flowers.

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The Muharram Ceremony at the Faculty of World Studies

The mourning ceremony of Imam Hussein (as), on and in Iraq. In describing the conditions of that time the September 16 and 17 2018, with a speech by Dr. and introducing Mu'awiyah, he referred to The Story Mohammad Javad Mohammadi, Assistant Professor of of Civilization (1935-1975), by Will and Ariel Durant, French Studies, was held at the Faculty of World Studies which introduces Mu’awiyah as a great tyrant but also from 12:30 to 14:30. as a non-religious politician who carried out great acts On both days of the ceremony, the ceremony against Islam. Dr. Mohammadi added: "Imam Hussein began with the recitation of the Ziyarat Ashura by Mr. considered a jihad with Mu'awiyah more obligatory than Shirkhoda Asgari, FWS officer at Education Office, jihad with polytheists. Mu'awiya swore to destroy the and the congregational prayer by Dr. Mohammadi. name of the Prophet. But God wouldn't allow that light After attending prayers, Dr. Mohammadi, expressed to be extinguished, and thus Shiite and Sunni today are his satisfaction with the success of the attendance to the all committed to the Amir al-Mu'minin, even in the time mourning ceremony, and praised the organizers of this when Mu'awiyh considered it a crime to name children ceremony for holding annual mourning ceremonies after Imam Ali.” He further elaborated on the activities of Sayyid al-Shohada. Dr. Mohammadi said: "Imam of Mu'awih against Islam, who went to great lengths to Hossein's system offers those of every religion a space; empower the Caliphate. this ceremony is held all over the world. It is reported that Dr. Mohammadi referred to Mu'awiya's heresies in one of Europe’s greatest capitals, over 400 ceremonies against the Prophet's Shari'a, including the removal of for Imam Hussein will be held.” the Bismillah from the daily prayers and the removal of Inspired by a statement of the Prophet of Islam, Dr. Talbiya from the Haj pilgrimage; or eating food from Mohammadi titled his two-day lectures, as “Hussein golden containers, and drinking of wine. He added, is the light of guidance and the ship of salvation.” In "Mu’awiyyah established these rules and Yizid also emphasizing this point, Dr. Mohammadi quoted Imam continued the same. During his lifetime, Mu’awiyah Hussein: “My Movement is not adventurous, and I do tried to demand support for his son Yazid, to whom not seek to start a rebellion.” Dr. Mohammadi explained the circumstances that brought Imam Hussein to the uprising of Ashura. Dr. Mohammadi added that "Imam Hussein rose against those who had brandished their swords against the Prophet of Islam while themselves in control of the government; those whom the Quran called the corrupted." He mentioned that, it is Muharram that has kept Islam alive at a time, when the values of the Prophet were about to be destroyed, both in Iran

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three people: Imam Hussein, Abdullah Omar, Abdullah personalities in history. In his comparing of Islam al-Zubair refused to support. In his advice to Yazid, with other religions, including Christianity, he added: Mu’awiyyah added, “Zubayr and Omar will not give "What we know from Jesus comes from St. Paul, not allegiance with you for worldly things, but Hussein is a Jesus Christ himself. But what remains of Islam was man of God, so do not mess with him”. from the Prophet, and Imam Hussein did not want this On the second day of the mourning ceremonies for to be lost”. Dr. Mohammadi called the flag of Imam the Seyyed al-Shohada, Dr. Mohammadi put emphasis Hussein as always flying which works like a light, a on the blessings of Islam and of having faith, and quoted truth through darkness, saying that if any religions in a Western professor: “For years they have taken us from history be lost, that would not be the religion of Imam God, and every alternative has failed. They gave us music Hussein. and literature, and art, but none of those has become Dr. Mohammadi mentioned how the son of the God”. Dr. Mohammadi added: “If faith in a person or second Caliph, although not against Imam Hussein, did society is eliminated, there is no alternative. The man of not act on the message: “As of tomorrow you should fear, faith is fortunate. The first thing God said to humankind and help me, so that you may be happy." He did not obey is that the world is full of concern. With faith you will and, although not against the Imam, ultimately went the be free of concern. Imam Hussein rose up because he wrong way. could not allow the faith of the people to be taken from Dr. Mohammadi quoted Imam Hussein as saying: " them”. To illustrate his point, Dr. Mohammadi brought Whoever comes to us will find at least one of these four: up France, which has the highest consumption levels of strong faith, good deeds, good friends, and the light of antidepressants, despite being a prosperous country, all guidance.” the while this is not the case in Iraq or Afghanistan. He further added "Anyone who has a good faith Dr. Mohammadi, referred to the book by Michael is better than one who does not believe but does good H. Hart, The 100 (1978), listing the Prophet of deeds." In addition, with emphasis on the influences of Islam as number one in a list of 100 most influential words, he quoted the Quran: "if a believer makes his words correct, then the rest will be followed.” On both days, Dr. Mohammadi emphasized the survival of the Ashura commemorations by mentioning the suffering of Imam Hussein, of his family, and friends. In both days, after the speeches, Hajj Ja'far Ja'fari eulogized Imam Hussain while FWS staff and faculty members were actively participating in the ceremony. The participants of the Aba Abdullah Al-Hussein ceremony were also served with Nazri food.

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Appointments

• On June 3, 2018, Prof Saeid Reza Ameli, the FWS Dean, appointed Dr. Ali Akbar Alikhani to establish a Permanent Secretariat of the International Conference on Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution.

• Prof. Mahmoud Nili Ahmadabadi, the Chancellor of University of Tehran, with the recommendation of Prof Saied Reza Ameli, the FWS Dean, appointed Dr. Maryam Haghroosta as the Director of the Research Center for the Study of Spanish Speaking Countries on July 30, 2018.

• Mrs. Maryam Ahmadi, who had been in charge of public relations and international affairs of the Faculty for many years, was retired this year.

FWS Officer Recognized as UT Employee of the Year

At the third ceremony of the employee of the year at the Faculty of World Studies, was honored as an the University of Tehran, Mr. Alireza Kohankhaki, employee of the year (2018). Congratulations, we director of the Research Affairs Department of wish you all the best.

Faculty of World Studies University of Tehran Spring & Summer 2018 70 World Studies Newsletter

FWS Employee of the Season

In the ceremony of the employee of the season at the Faculty of World Studies, on Sunday, September 2, Ms. Zahra Boveiri, Mr. Faizullah Mahmudi, and Mr. Sadegh Afshar, were honored for their exemplary service for the spring of 2018.

Remembering Late Mr. Mohammad Reza Firouzbakht at FWS

Upon the death of our fellow Mr. hosted by Dr. Seyyed Said Reza Ameli, the Dean of Mohammad Reza Firouzbakht on the the Faculty of World Studies. evening of May 9, 2018; the Faculty of World Studies held a ceremony for this member of FWS family on Monday, May 14, 2018. In this ceremony, Mr. Firouzbakht’s FWS colleagues as well as FWS professors and students all expressed their sympathy with his family, who was known as a friend to everyone at the Faculty. Everyone is saddened by the loss, and his memory is always with us. The ceremony was

Faculty of World Studies University of Tehran