An Intertextual Survey on Dual Oppositions in the Maqouee Palace Mural (Iranian and European Sofreh)

The process of getting acquaintance with European culture which had begun in 18th century in Iran reached to its critical summit in 19th century (Qajar era). Travelling abroad, familiarity with modern ideas, and printing industry were some of the most influential causes which affected all aspects of Iranian life. The encounter of "East" and "West" as the main challenge of the time was reflected in Persian art and literature. This article explores dual oppositions on the Maqouee Palace mural painted on the ceiling of a palace in Iran. Cultural codes which were completely related to social situation and esthetic codes based on visual style of the time were examined. With the descriptivecomparative method, the article detected direct implications and circuitous connotations by comparing the main painting with other visual "texts". Foreign travels, biographies and newspaper articles also played a dominant role. After defining three possible connections between dual oppositions as antagonistic, relevant and dialectic, the most significant poles were chosen. Opposition of “West" and "East as the most momentous oppositions of Qajar era was reflected on the mural. Research Objectives: -Recognition of how the main challenges of Qajar era were reflected on the Maqouee Palace mural
-Discovering the main dual oppositions in Maqouee Palace mural related to the dominant discourse of Qajar era Research Questions: - How the main challenges of Qajar era were reflected on the Maqouee Palace mural?
- What are the main dual oppositions in the Maqouee Palace mural related to the dominant discourse of Qajar era?