Representation of hegemony in the religious politics of Karim Khan Zand, based on Gramsci's opinions

Authors

1 Tehran International University of Islamic Religions

2 Vice President of Culture at the University of Islamic Religions and a member of the faculty of the Department of Islamic History

3 Assistant Professor of the Department of Islamic History of the University Tehran International Islamic Religions

4 Assistant Professor of Islamic Denominations International University

Abstract

Shi'ism, which became a fundamental factor and agent in the way rulers interacted with followers of other Islamic sects and religious minorities with the establishment of the Safavid state, was also of significant importance during the Zand period and the rule of Karim Khan Zand. The present article aims to examine the religious policy of Karim Khan Zand, based on the views of Antonio Gramsci, the theorist behind the concept of "hegemony." This approach relies on cultural and ideological dominance, emphasizing the power of human thought and will in transforming social dominance and strategizes on creating change in the hegemonic system towards public consent. This research employs a descriptive-analytical method and relies on library and documentary methods to examine the aspects of hegemonic representation in the religious politics of Karim Khan Zand. The findings indicate that Karim Khan endeavored to rely on hegemony to generate and regenerate public consent. In his interactions with religious and sectarian minorities and Shia scholars, as the most significant political and civil actors in the country, he represented his hegemony and, in most cases, instead of resorting to violence, used hegemonic power to persuade individuals and social groups to accept the beliefs, convictions, and values favored by his government.

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Journal of Historical Researches of Iran and Islam

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 05 January 2024

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History

  • Receive Date: 18 September 2023
  • Revise Date: 11 December 2023
  • Accept Date: 25 December 2023

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