Comparative Study of Orientalistic Approach of Two Generations of Western Iranologists; from Morie to Fuller

Orientalism studies the discourse of orientalists critically, concerning the representation of "others" identity. Iranology as a sub-branch of Orientalism pursues the same goal and approach. This article inspired by the theoretical framework of Edward Said’s Orientalism, examines the representation of Iranian culture and identity in two western generations of Iranologists by application of content analysis and comparative method of research. Findings indicate that although western Iranologists, representation of Iranian culture and identity shows some extent of fairness and realism, but in many aspects it is applicable to Orientalism, through negative image-building of Iranians, identification of "self" by attribution of negative features to "others", west-centrism, and wrong generalization and even distortion of historical events concerning Iranians. Thus the study of Iranologists, references can be considered as a part of political project of western system of representation of Iranian culture and identity.