An Analytical Study of the Role of Iranian Art and Industry Exhibitions in London (1930) and Leningrad (1935) in Presenting Iranian Civilization during the First Pahlavi Era (Based on Historical Documents)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of History, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.

2 Ph.D. Candidate in Post-Islamic History of Iran, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.

Abstract

Purpose: This study seeks to examine the role of the international exhibitions of Iranian art and crafts held in London (1931) and Leningrad (1935) in promoting Iranian art and civilization and in advancing the global status of Iranian studies. It aims to analyze and evaluate the impact of these exhibitions on enhancing Iran’s cultural and international position. These events offered a unique opportunity for invaluable historical artifacts from major Iranian collections—such as those of the Golestan Palace, Astan Quds Razavi, the Shrine of Hazrat Masoumeh, the Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili Complex, and the Museum of Ma’aref—to be displayed for the first time before international scholars, artists, and audiences. All items were temporarily loaned abroad and subsequently returned to Iran upon the exhibitions’ conclusion.
Method and Research Design: The research adopts a descriptive–analytical approach grounded in historical documents and archival materials.
Findings and Conclusions: The findings indicate that, during the Pahlavi era, the Iranian government—aligned with the intellectual and elite class—sought to project an image of a modernized nation and to strengthen its cultural and international identity. Participation in such exhibitions not only facilitated cultural interaction but also contributed to the improvement of diplomatic relations. Iran effectively utilized this historic opportunity to showcase a wide range of its artistic and historical treasures to a global audience. Historical evidence demonstrates that these exhibitions significantly shaped positive perceptions of Iranian culture and civilization at the international level. Moreover, scholarly and cultural reactions from around the world acknowledged the authenticity and artistic value of Iranian heritage.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

English Translation of References
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History

  • Receive Date: 06 December 2024
  • Revise Date: 13 December 2024
  • Accept Date: 23 February 2025

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