History of Iran and Aghanistan 3600-7-IR2-HIA1

FULL DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBJECT: The lecture covers the Islamic period in Iran from 10th century CE up to the modern times including Khomeini’s Islamic Revolution and its aftermath.
The Islamic era from 10th century CE onward is divided into several distinct periods, beginning with the later Islamic Caliphate when Iran was ruled by independent governments only officially recognizing the Caliphate’s authority with growing role of the Turkic element, the Great Seljuk Empire and domination of Turks in Iran, then splitting of the Empire into smaller independent states, Mongol period, restitution of the Iranian sovereignty and territorial integrity under the Safavids, stagnation of the Qajar epoch, 20th century and rise of modernity. During the first period the struggle for keeping ethnic and cultural identity and integrity as well as gaining Persia's own place within the political and cultural realm under control of the of Turkic elites is essential. The second one is marked by rivalry between sultanates within the Caliphate. Mongol invasion and gaining control over Iran by the new nomadic nation. Fall of Baghdad and end of the Abbasid Caliphate. After the Mongol incursions and devastation of the country follows the period of reconstruction and concurrent supremacy of the Turco-Mongol military elites. Tamerlan and control of the Timurids over Iran. Turcoman states in Anatolia and Nord Western and rise of the Safavids. Domination of the Safavids over Iran and emerging of a new political and cultural paradigm which has defined modern Iran. Chaos after the fall of the Safavids and rise of the Qajar dynasty. The most important issue of the Safavid period is the introduction of Shia Islam into Iran and relations with the Ottoman Turkey while in the course of 19th and 20th centuries relations with the West and the modernization of the country is of fundamental significance. Constitutional Revolution of 1905-1909 and Islamic Revolution as turning points of Iran's 20th century history. Post-revolutionary Iran and challenges of the 21st century.
Up to 18th century regarding lack of reference in sources there is no reason to make separate research on Afghanistan and its history is regarded in terms of a common account within history of Persia. While from that century onward it deserves the separate account of the beginning and developments of Afghan state, wars with Great Britain and Russia's policy in 19th century up to modern times and the Soviet invasion of 1978, not to neglect its aftereffects in this very century. At least a brief survey of developments of Central Asia from 16th century’s events parallelly to the developments of Iran and later in Afghanistan is advised. Essential role of the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan and the Iranian Islamic Revolution in rise and growth of the modern Islamic extremism.

Term 2023Z:

FULL DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBJECT: The lecture covers early Islamic period after the Arab conquest of Iran, including expansion and growth of Islam and finally its overwhelming domination in the area.
The Islamic era up to the rise of the Safavids is divided into several distinct periods, namely the Islamic Caliphate, Iran under independent indigenous dynasties officially recognizing Caliphate’s preponderance, Seljuk sultanates in Iran, Mongol (Ilkhanid) and Timurid period. During the first period the struggle for keeping ethnic and cultural identity and integrity as well as gaining Persia's own place within the political and cultural realm of Islam is essential; the second one is marked by rivalry between Iranian emirates of the Eastern Caliphate and the rise of Turkic political domination; final supremacy of the latter led to the change of power paradigm and redefining of social structures; Mongol incursions and devastation of the country was then followed by the period of gradual reconstruction and concurrent supremacy of the Turco-Mongol military elites; Timur's invasion on Iran brought about another wave of destruction which was in turn followed by prolonged stagnation and political fragmentation. On ruins of Timur's empire new states and kingdoms emerged that changed the balance of power throughout the Middle East.

Term 2024Z:

FULL DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBJECT: The lecture covers Islamic period in Iran from 10th century CE, marked by overwhelming domination of Islam in the area.
The Islamic era from 10th century CE up to the rise of the Safavids is divided into several distinct periods, namely the Islamic Caliphate, Iran under independent indigenous dynasties officially recognizing Caliphate’s preponderance, Seljuk sultanates in Iran, Mongol (Ilkhanid) and Timurid period. During the first period the struggle for keeping ethnic and cultural identity and integrity as well as gaining Persia's own place within the political and cultural realm of Islam is essential; the second one is marked by rivalry between Iranian emirates of the Eastern Caliphate and the rise of Turkic political domination; final supremacy of the latter led to the change of power paradigm and redefining of social structures; Mongol incursions and devastation of the country was then followed by the period of gradual reconstruction and concurrent supremacy of the Turco-Mongol military elites; Timur's invasion on Iran brought about another wave of destruction which was in turn followed by prolonged stagnation and political fragmentation. On ruins of Timur's empire new states and kingdoms emerged that changed the balance of power throughout the Middle East.

Prerequisites (description)

PRECONDITIONS: Knowledge and skills corresponding to the course of History of Iran and Afghanistan taught during the first year of BA programme in Iranian Studies.

Course coordinators

Mirosław Michalak

Type of course

obligatory courses

Mode

Classroom

Learning outcomes

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
KNOWLEDGE:
- has basic knowledge in the range of theory of humanities (literary studies or linguistics or history) necessary to understand chosen cultural aspects;
- has detailed and organized knowledge of history of Iran and Afghanistan;
- has detailed and organized knowledge of Persian art and aesthetics [K_W08];
- has detailed and organized knowledge of socio-cultural issues in Iran and Afghanistan within the scope of natural environment and ethnic, demographic and political situation;
- has organized knowledge of natural, geopolitical and economic environment and their importance for the historical and contemporary situation in Iran and Afghanistan;
- is aware of the linguistic variety and its influence on the cultural and political situation of the world;
- knows and understands basic analysis and interpretation methods of various products of culture characteristic of chosen theories and schools of research within the scope of literary studies, linguistics, philosophy, and history.

SKILLS:
- can indicate sources of cultural differences between the countries of the Orient;
- can use the knowledge of history of Iran and Afghanistan to analyze and interpret events taking place in the modern world;
- can appropriately place Iran and Afghanistan in the context of circumstances pertinent to natural, geopolitical and economic environment;
- can use the knowledge of socio-cultural issues of Iran and Afghanistan in typical professional situations;
- has a skill in presenting detailed aspects within the scope of cultural issues of Iran in Polish and Persian languages taking into consideration the intellectual tradition of Iran and Afghanistan.

COMPETENCE:
- understands the need to learn all one’s life;
- can set appropriate goals and ways to achieve them in the context of academic, professional and social activity;
- has awareness of the cultural distinctness and its religious, philosophical, traditional and historical roots and its significance for understanding modern world;
- sees the need of dialogue between cultures;
- is aware of significance the Iranian and Afghan cultures have for the culture of the world;
- acts in aid of sharing and promoting cultural and linguistic heritage of Iran and Afghanistan.

Assessment criteria

ASSESSMENT METHODS AND CRITERIA:
- continuous assessment;
- dedicated paper (if needed);
- attendance control;
- oral examination.

Bibliography

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
E. Abrahamian, A History of Modern Iran, Cambridge 2008
A. Amanat, Iran: A Modern History, New Haven & London 2017
The Cambridge History of Iran, vol. IV-VII, Cambridge 1975-1990
Th. Coville, Iran, la révolution invisible, Paris 2007
R.N. Frye, The Golden Age of Persia: The Arabs in the East, London 1975
N. Keddie, Modern Iran: Roots and Results of Revolution, Yale 2003
A. Krasnowolska (red.), Historia Iranu, Ossolineum 2010, cz. II-IV
B. Składanek, Historia Persji, t. 2, Warszawa 1999
B. Składanek, Historia Persji, t. 3, Warszawa 2003
J. D. Sourdel, La civilisation de l'islam classique, Paris 1968
Additional reading suggested by the lecturer.

Term 2023Z:

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
The Cambridge History of Iran, vol. IV-VII, Cambridge 1975-1990
R.N. Frye, The Golden Age of Persia: The Arabs in the East, London 1975
A. Krasnowolska (red.), Historia Iranu, Ossolineum 2010, cz. II
B. Składanek, Historia Persji, t. 2, Warszawa 1999
B. Składanek, Historia Persji, t. 3, Warszawa 2003
J. D. Sourdel, La civilisation de l'islam classique, Paris 1968
Additional reading suggested by the lecturer.

Term 2024Z:

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 3600-7-IR2-HIA1 in USOSweb