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Based on the premise that nationalism is a dominant factor in Iranian identity politics despite the significant changes brought about by the Islamic Revolution, this cross-disciplinary work investigates the languages of nationalism in contemporary Iran through the prism of the minority issue.

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Introduction Identifying a People The Minority Issue Diversity and Order A Nation Defended A Nation Re-Envisioned Conclusion

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"The outside world sees Iran as a homogenous country, but, in fact, it is made up of a number of different ethno-linguistic, religious, and tribal groups. Elling (Iranian studies, Univ. of Copenhagen, Denmark) examines four Iranian minorities: the Kurds, Azeris, Arabs, and Baluc . . . The book is well written, presents interesting research, and will be useful to scholars of Iran . . . Recommended." Choice

"Rasmus Christian Elling´s wonderful book on Iran´s major ethnic minorities is a unique and brilliant analysis of the changing role of these ethnic groups . . . The book is highly recommended for students and scholars of Iran and of ethnic and nationalist questions, and for all thoughtful Iranians." - Nikki R. Keddie, Professor Emerita of History, UCLA, USA

"In a challenging and well-researched book, Rasmus Christian Elling brings considerable theoretical sophistication to a subtle and acute analysis of the issue, focusing on four key minorities and their histories, particularly since the 1978-79 revolution . . . This important book, ground-breaking in Iranian Studies, is a major contribution to the political sociology of ethnicity, nationalism, and minority-state relations." - Richard Tapper, Emeritus Professor, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, UK

"This excellent book provides an analytically powerful yet subtle study of competing processes and discourses that shape Iranian cultural diversity. This is a highly erudite and well-written work, built on years of meticulous empirical research. Indeed, Elling has written a wonderful book that will set the standard for the future scholarship in this field." - Sini a Male evi?, Senior Lecturer, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland

"Rasmus Christian Elling has addressed the thorny issues of minorities, ethnicity, and national identity in post-revolutionary Iran with such dexterity and care that from now on this book will be on the reading list of any serious scholar examining these topics." - Mehrzad Boroujerdi, Associate Professor of Political Science, Syracuse University, USA

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