Constructing Iranian National Identity Based on Race

As a significance process, identity is not a constant but a fluid and changing issue. The basic components of identity are being changed by passing time and under some events and thoughts. As an identity-building component, the Aria race has been added to other identity components for Iranians in two recent centuries, particularly during the World War I and the years after that. This article has examined the backgrounds and quality of constructing Iranian identity on the basis of race component by using analytical-documentary method. The findings indicate that the propounding of race component as an identity-building one or Iranians is one of achievements of Orientalism. The World War I has affected this process due to the socio-political conditions of Iran and its relation with the Germans.