Analyzing the Utopian Components of Chivalry (Futuwwat) Discourses

In the realm of Iranian-Islamic civilization, chivalry (futuwwat) ritual, as a powerful subculture, has been the originator of multiple discourses according to the historical circumstances. This ritual arose out of a social and historical necessity against autocratic and anti-justice systems in different periods of Iran's history; in general, Ayyari system is a utopian thinking system, and the diverse discourses of futuwwat have reflected the various manifestations of this thought and system. This qualitative research was conducted using content analysis method. The results of this research demonstrate that each of the discourses of futuwwat, namely Ayyari, religious, Sufi, guilds, and championship (pahlevani) has pursued their ideals, respectively, in the form of war and rebellion and rejection of society's norms; justice-orientation, support of the oppressed and the manifestation of the perfect human-being in the visage of Imam Ali (A.S.); struggle against self and reaching unworldly and spiritual perfections; linking art and craft with the essence of truth as well as bringing the soul to the perfection of divine knowledge; disgust with oppression and tyrants, and arranging the unfortunate and uneven economic and social conditions of the poor.