The Historiography of Neyshabur and the Pathology of Research in the Contemporary Period Based on Academic Theses (1978-2025)

Authors

Assistant Professor, Department of Archeology and History, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Neyshabur, Iran

10.22111/jhr.2025.53255.3828

Abstract

Neyshabur, owing to its rich civilizational background (from the ancient to the contemporary period), possesses exceptional potential for research across various fields of history. The objective of the present study is an analytical pathology of academic productions in the field of Neyshabur historiography during the period 1978–2025, relying on a mixed-methods methodology (qualitative and quantitative content analysis of 34 theses). The central question of this research focuses on identifying recurring patterns, methodological shortcomings, and epistemological ruptures in the record of Neyshabur's historical research based on theses. Findings indicate that 85% of studies are confined to a specific timeframe (3rd–7th centuries AH) while pre-Islamic eras and contemporary developments (from the Safavid period to the Islamic Revolution) have been less examined. Furthermore, the dominance of a political-religious discourse (70% of titles) has limited Neyshabur merely to a stage for elite agency, neglecting attention to other social classes. A methodological crisis is also evident, as reliance on classical texts by 94% of the studies, with no attention to urban archaeological approaches, archival sources, or discourse analysis, has resulted in the production of descriptive narratives. Additionally, an imbalance in academic levels (91.2% Master's theses versus 8.8% Doctoral dissertations) and a fragile geographical distribution (concentration of 62.5% of productions in Tehran and Mashhad, with 15.6% in Neyshabur itself) constitute other observable pathologies. In summary, although Neyshabur historiography in the realm of theses has experienced quantitative growth in the past decade, it lacks the civilizational continuum, thematic diversity, and methodological depth necessary for a multi-layered rereading of Neyshabur's history. Proposed solutions to halt and correct this flawed cycle include adopting interdisciplinary approaches, developing research infrastructure, and redefining the role of the University of Neyshabur as the central hub for indigenous research.

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Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Historical Researches of Iran and Islam
Volume 19, Issue 37
November 2025
Pages 268-303

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History

  • Receive Date: 03 August 2025
  • Revise Date: 06 October 2025
  • Accept Date: 01 November 2025

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