Validation of the theory of "Oriental despotism" in understanding social developments in Iran

Many of the research works on Iranian history and culture, while embracing the theory of Oriental Despotism, regard despotism as a feature of Iranian society and they believe that during the history of Iran, the shadow of tyranny has always been widespread in all social areas of the Iranian community. This discourse has considered decisive role for the government and the institution of politics in Iranian history and believes that despotism in Iran has prevented the formation of civil and guilds organizations. This article tries to criticize this discourse with a descriptive-analytical approach with the library method and the study of non-Iranian writings. According to research findings the structure of the market institutions, religious institutions, social strata and tribal status in Iranian society show the Iranian despotism theory is rooted in the meta-narratives or the great theory of Oriental Despotism and Asian Production. Then this theory does not correspond to the historical facts of Iran.