Reflection of the Iranian Identity in Artistic Works and Cultural Heritages

Numerous achievements of the works and researches by orientalists in various fields of science, culture, literature and art of Iran clearly express the fact that from the ancient time till the recent centuries Iran has been regarded as a cradle of culture and civilization, and one of the few civilizations of the ancient world. Herzfeld says: “Iran has been the focus of prehistory civilization”, and based upon the testimony of those archaeologists and excavators who have excavated the historical sites, the Iranians initiated creation of artistic and industrial works during ancient time and even before the Achaemenian period. At present which national identity is weakening spontaneously and unwantedly, and which all the nations are forced to follow globalization policy of the superpowers, it is must to safeguard national identity. As the most important components of our identity formed by geographical, racial, ethnic, cultural, linguistic, religious, literary, and art attachments we have to spare no effort to safeguard them chiefly the language which plays a significant role among the other elements, because language is a key-factor in exchange of culture. Language and literature of any society is regarded as basis of thought and mirror of history of that society. In the history, the Iranian dynamic and permanent art in its various dimensions and backgrounds has always brought about our joviality and pride so that we are also commited to preserve its different manifestations as the components of our identity. Our earlier artists never forgot their national heritage and made a serious attempt to elevate it. It is quite right that the manifestations of our artistic identity are so various and expanded that today, by taking into account the genuine sources of our identity we will be able to rebuild our genuine and vernacular identity as a source of pride.