{"product_id":"9789819254651","title":"Identity at the Margins Representations of the Yārsān in Modern Iran","description":"\u003ch3\u003eIranian and Persian Studies\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch1\u003eIdentity at the Margins\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003ch2\u003eRepresentations of the Yārsān in Modern Iran\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAzadeh Vatanpour\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cb\u003eLiterary Criticism \/ Middle Eastern\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis book delves into the multifaceted identity formations of the Yarsan, an ethno-religious minority in Iran's Kurdish region, from the 19th century to contemporary times. The author examines how Orientalists, intellectuals, Muslim religious figures, and the Iranian Shi'ite state have historically influenced and shaped Yarsan identities. These external depictions have categorized the Yarsan variably as a sect of Shi'ism, an ethno-mystical group, a heretical branch of Islam, or even devil-worshippers. In response to these external narratives, the Yarsan community has engaged in a dynamic process of self-definition. They assert their identity as a distinct religious minority, emphasizing aspects like gender equality, inclusive female roles, devotional music, sacred ritual performances, and eco-spirituality. This research employs textual analysis and critical comparative ethnography to explore the coexistence of multiple, complex identities within the Yarsan community. These identities are shown to be fluid and continuously negotiated both internally and in relation to external perceptions, challenging rigid categorizations. The book offers significant insights into the mechanisms through which minority religious groups articulate, maintain, and adapt their identities over time. It highlights the continuous interplay between external influences and internal responses in shaping these identities, contributing to a deeper understanding of identity formation and transformation within minority religious communities.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cp\u003eAzadeh Vatanpour is the Executive Director of the Persian Cultural Center of Atlanta. She earned her Ph.D. from Emory University in the Asian, African, and Middle Eastern Religions Program. She serves as an Associate Editor of the \u003cem\u003eInternational Journal of Persian Literature\u003c\/em\u003e (IJPL) and as a member of the Advisory Board of \u003cem\u003eEncyclopaedia Iranica\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePublication Date: \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e11 February 2027\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePublisher: \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpringer Nature Singapore\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eImprint: \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpringer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eISBN-13: \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9789819254651\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFormat: \u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHardback\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Springer Nature Singapore","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51957521449100,"sku":"9789819254651","price":125.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0710\/9545\/1788\/files\/9789819254651.jpg?v=1786056166","url":"https:\/\/fh90cf-fv.myshopify.com\/products\/9789819254651","provider":"Late Knight Books and Services, LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}