This is the first part of a two part conversation with Dr. Michelle Langford about her book Allegory in Iranian Cinema: The Aesthetics of Poetry and Resistance. In this episode, she discusses the motivations behind writing her book and explores the evolution of Iranian films, spanning from early silent movies to contemporary productions. In doing so, she examines the reflective insights of the films into the sociopolitical and cultural fabric of Iran.  Dr. Michelle Langford is an ​​Associate Professor in Film Studies at the University of New South Wales Sydney. You can find her book here ..read more

This episode marks the second part of a two-part conversation with Dr. Claudia Yaghoobi delving into the evolving landscape of sexuality in contemporary Iran. Dr. Yaghoobi discusses the Family Protection Law, dispels common misconceptions within Iran, such as the assumption that all women share identical viewpoints, and examines the perceptions of veiling during the Pahlavi era. Furthermore, she assesses the progress made by women during the Pahlavi era, emphasizing the significant role played by women themselves, not just the government. The conversation ends with a discussion of the Islamic ..read more

This is the first part of a two part conversation with Dr. Claudia Yaghoobi exploring the shifting dynamics of sexuality in Iran across a span of nearly two centuries. Dr. Yaghoobi, a professor at University of North carolina chapel hill, examines the intersectionality of gender and sexuality, discussing how gender rights have fared better than sexual rights. She discusses sexual mores in iran and the non-linear trajectory of iran towards modernization. Furthermore, she delves into the notion of "acceptable" sexuality and draws comparisons between Iranian and Western sexual norms. See her chap ..read more

This podcast is part five of the Iran 1400 Project's labor series, and it concludes a three-part interview with Dr. Kaveh Ehsani, an associate professor at  DePaul University. Dr. Ehsani sheds light on the present condition of workers in Iran, emphasizing how the Islamic Republic perceives them as a threat to its establishment. He discusses the transition from the glorification of workers during the Iran-Iraq war to the privatization of Iran's economy and its implications for the workers at that time. Additionally, he explores the connection between labor protests and the Woman, Life, Fre ..read more

This is the fourth episode of the Iran 1400 Project’s series on labor in Iran and the second of a three-part conversation with Dr. Kaveh Ehsani about the social history of labor and oil. Dr. Ehsani, an associate professor at DePaul University, explores three distinct periods in Iran's social history, which coincided with the establishment of a market economy and capitalist framework. These periods include the emergence of capitalist industrialization, the integration of workers into this new system, and the subsequent generation's deepening involvement within the system. Dr. Ehsani takes a uni ..read more

This is the third episode of the Iran 1400 Project’s series on labor in Iran and the first of a three-part conversation with Dr. Kaveh Ehsani about the social history of labor and oil. Dr. Ehsani, an associate professor at DePaul University, defines social history and highlights its importance for Iran and the broader world. He provides insights into what labor relations and Iran’s economy looked like before the discovery of oil in the country, going into detail about the composition of Iran's population and life before Iranians were dependent on wages ..read more

This is the second episode of the Iran 1400 Podcast’s series on labor in Iran. It is part two of a two-part conversation between our host Sydney Martin and doctoral student Ida Nikou about the labor movement in Iran since the Islamic revolution. Ida underscores the importance of comprehending labor protests as a prerequisite for understanding any protest movement in Iran and delves into the interconnectedness between labor protests and the Woman, Life, Freedom movement. They also explore the development and transformation of Iran's economy and its underlying structure ..read more

This is the first episode of the Iran 1400 Podcast’s series on labor in Iran. It is part one of a two-part conversation between our host Sydney Martin and doctoral student Ida Nikou about the labor movement in Iran since the Islamic revolution. Ida provides insights into the movement's history in each decade following the revolution, highlighting its adaptation to the evolving political landscape and changing leadership. Throughout the conversation, a wide range of topics are covered, from the impact of the Iran-Iraq War, to syndicalism, to the privatization of the economy ..read more

In the second installment of the Iran 1400 Project's series on nationalism in Iran, researcher Sydney Martin engages in a captivating conversation with Dr. Ali Ansari on the intricate interplay between Iranian history, nationalism, and identity. Their wide-ranging discussion covers themes such as the significance of Kaveh the Blacksmith, the fusion of religion and state, and the exploitation of nationalism by various leaders in Iran over the past century to consolidate their authority. Furthermore, they delve into the crucial role of Iranian nationalism in the Woman, Life, Freedom movement.&nb ..read more

This is the first episode of the Iran 1400 Project's series on nationalism in Iran. Researchers Alexandra Braverman and Sydney Martin spoke with Dr. Meir Litvak about the role of religion in Iranian nationalism and Iranian identity. Dr. Litvak explained in detail how the Iranian state uses religion in order to promote a form of nationalism in line with its ideals. Examining the reaction of Iranians to this effort, he analyzed the many facets of Iranian identity, from Persian ethnolinguistic identity to Islamic religious identity. A timely discussion, Dr. Litvak also commented on the effect of ..read more