National identity and Iranian-Islamic identity; National unity and ethnic solidarity basis

Achieving National unity and solidarity in societies like Iran that consists of various ethnic and religious subcultures and based on Nelson Mandela’s interpretation: “is of rainbow-like nations”, depends mainly on consolidating the components of national identity and heritage especially Iranian-Islamic identity. The life of any society depends on the identity of the community and for the individual to live in society an independent identity is a must. In some cases, this identity is formed unconsciously and in society context, but in most cases is shaped in the form of specific programs and educational socialization. Since formation of other identities is influenced by national identity, therefore National identity is the basis of all identities. National identity will emerge only in the light of government efforts to create fair and respectful relationships and recognition of cultural layers and identities, social and political rights of the various ethnic groups.In this paper, while using the descriptive-analytical method to study Iranian-Islamic identity, on one side national identity and its dimensions and on the other side, the effects of Iranian-Islamic identity in solidarity and strengthening the national identity are studied. This research with a brief explanation about the concepts of ethnicity, identity and its components, describes the component elements of Iranian-Islamic identity and the role of national identity in national unity and strengthening the national identity. The final conclusion is that in diverse societies, such as Iran, an identity whose national characteristic consists of all ethnic, religious, cultural and Iranian-Islamic identities of that country can be successful and effective. Whenever the ruler governments of Iran have insisted on the integration and consolidation of all components of Iranian-Islamic identity and national identity and respected the ethnic diversity within Iranian society and proceeded based onIslamic and Quranic justice, the roots national cohesion and solidarity have been stronger.