The content below is from the Iranian National Studies Institute's archived pages from 2004 to 2007.  Consider this page in its historical context.

No 108, Mansour Alley, Mirzaye Shirazi Street, Motahari Street
Tehran - I. R. of IRAN
______________

 

Introduction
The non-governmental and non-beneficial National Studies Institute is a scientific, research and cultural institute about the national identity, national unity and social solidarity that has been established since 1997. This registered and authorized institute performs research activities on the following areas:

  1. Applied and basic studies and researches about different fields such as national unity and social integration, Iranian identity, civilization, culture and Iranology.

  2. Applied and basic research about nomads, religious groups and Iranian sub-cultures

  3. Research and study about factors, roots, reasons and the process of Iranian nation and identity- building and its changes or transformations during the centuries.

  4. Research about relationship of sub-national societies with national societies and reasons and roots of coherence and solidarity or its weakness.

  5. Investigating the rate and quality of the effects of regional and universal transformations on Iran’s sub-national societies and national communities.

  6. National unity and social integration

  7. National identity, societal identity and the process of identification.

  8. Factors influential on identity making process

  9. The impact of cultural, social, mental and global transformations on national identity

  10. Research and examination of the roots of integration and dis-integration among cultures and realization of the causes and reasons of national and sub-national solidanty.

  11. Inter cultural relationships

  12. Comparative and scientific study of identity politics of the country during its different historical periods.

â–²___________________________________________________________
Kinds of activity
This institute performs different kinds of activities, the major ones listed as follow:

  1. Establishing library and special archive for professors and research colleagues

  2. Establishing data bank about research interests of the institute and offering services to the customers

  3. Holding seminars, fairs and round tables

  4. Publishing books, tapes and compact disks (CDs) about the related fields of the institute

  5. Holding and establishing short-term teaching workshops according to the demands of related centers.

  6. Publishing quarterly research journal of National Studies

  7. Forming research groups for scientific and systematic study about past, present and future of national and sub-national identities and effective factors on the relationship between the two.

Select Publication Group

 

 

TITLE: Ethnic Transformations in Iran

        : Dr. Mojtaba Maghsoudi

        : By National Studies Institute

        : 2001

  

 

 

  
 

 

TITLE: National Identity in Iranian ethnic songs

        : Bahman Kazemi

        : By National Studies Institue

        : 2001

  

 

 

  
 

 

TITLE: Bridging Differences

        : Author: William B. Gudycunst

        : Translators: Dr. Ali Karimi and Masoud Hashemi

        : By Tamaddon Irani Publication

Those who are interested in research and writing articles about those aforementioned topics, can receive the abstract and full text of the recordings of the institute through post or electronic communication. Meanwhile the journal office invites the respected writers and authors to send their articles concerning the research interests of the journal to be published after it has been evaluated.

In 2004 I contacted the National Studies Institute regarding the research I was doing at the time for a doctoral thesis about Iranian sub-cultures. They were very helpful and I feel fortunate that I was able to communicate with them considering what was happening geopolitically in the Middle East at the time. The Iranian parliamentary elections of February 20 and May 7, 2004 were a victory for Islamic conservatives over the reformist parties. Considering that the elections took place amidst a serious political crisis following the January 2004 decision to ban about 2500 candidates, mostly reformists by the conservative Council of Guardians vetting body, I had expected that I would not be able to contact anyone, let alone get information for my paper. I think I was lucky. My doctoral thesis was central to my getting a teaching position at a prestigious college in the US. Jump ahead a dozen years and I am still teaching having advanced to a tenured professorship. This past week I had another success with internet research. This time not for academic reasons, but instead looking for a round pillow dog bed online. LOL. But I must admit search skills are very important. My Huskie mix dog tends to be very rough on his dog beds, so I try to buy a new one when I can find a sale. I lucked out this time finding a new site that was holding a Black Friday Sale on their great looking round dog beds. I am hopeful that the quality fabrics they use with be able to withstand Gunter's hard play. Time will tell, but for now he seems to love the new bed. A lot has happened in the intervening years since I first approach the National Studies Institute. For one, this site is no longer active and simple communications to the Institute are no longer possible.

 

PROJECTS

TITLE: Population and national sovereignty

TITLE: Geography and national unity

TITLE: Difficulties and tribal crisis in Pakistan and mechanisms of contagion to inside of Iran

TITLE: National unity in tribal songs

TITLE: Studying the works of Shahrokh Meskoub

TITLE: Founding the department of psychology

TITLE: Pan Turkism threat against national security of Iran

TITLE: Studying the content of Gileva monthly

TITLE: Collection of projects around Islamic unity

TITLE: Researching titles about different tribes on their tribal specialties

 

Picture Gallery

 

 

More Background On RINSWeb.org

The Iranian National Studies Institute (INSI), established in 1997, is a non-governmental, non-profit organization dedicated to the scientific, research, and cultural exploration of Iran's national identity, unity, and social solidarity. Over the years, INSI has played a pivotal role in fostering a deeper understanding of Iran's diverse cultural and social fabric through its comprehensive research initiatives and publications.

Historical Background

Founded in Tehran, INSI emerged during a period marked by significant socio-political changes in Iran. The late 1990s witnessed a surge in academic and cultural endeavors aimed at preserving and promoting Iran's rich heritage. INSI's establishment was a response to the growing need for a dedicated institution to study and document the nation's evolving identity amidst globalization and internal transformations.

Mission and Objectives

INSI's core mission revolves around conducting applied and basic research in various domains, including:

  • National Unity and Social Integration: Investigating the factors that contribute to or hinder national cohesion.

  • Iranian Identity and Civilization: Exploring the historical and contemporary aspects of Iran's cultural and civilizational identity.

  • Sub-Cultures and Ethnic Groups: Studying the diverse ethnic and religious groups within Iran to understand their unique contributions to the national tapestry.

  • Impact of Global Transformations: Assessing how regional and global changes influence Iran's national and sub-national societies.

Research Activities and Publications

INSI has been instrumental in producing a wide array of research outputs that delve into the complexities of Iranian society. Some notable publications include:

  • "Ethnic Transformations in Iran" by Dr. Mojtaba Maghsoudi (2001): This work examines the dynamic changes among Iran's ethnic groups over time.

  • "National Identity in Iranian Ethnic Songs" by Bahman Kazemi (2001): A study highlighting how ethnic music reflects and shapes national identity.

  • "Bridging Differences" by William B. Gudykunst, translated by Dr. Ali Karimi and Masoud Hashemi: This translation offers insights into intercultural communication and its relevance to Iranian society.

In addition to books, INSI has published the "National Studies" quarterly research journal, providing a platform for scholars to share their findings on topics related to national and sub-national identities.

Seminars and Workshops

Beyond publications, INSI has organized seminars, fairs, and roundtable discussions to facilitate dialogue among scholars, policymakers, and the public. These events have covered a broad spectrum of topics, from the role of tribal songs in national unity to the challenges posed by regional crises. INSI has also conducted short-term teaching workshops tailored to the needs of related centers, aiming to disseminate knowledge and foster academic collaboration.

Cultural and Social Significance

INSI's work holds substantial cultural and social significance. By focusing on the diverse elements that constitute Iran's national identity, the institute has contributed to a more nuanced understanding of the country's social fabric. Its research on ethnic transformations, national unity, and the impact of globalization has provided valuable insights for both scholars and policymakers.

Challenges and Evolution

Despite its contributions, INSI has faced challenges, particularly in maintaining its online presence. The institute's website, RINSWeb.org, which once served as a repository for its publications and research findings, is no longer active. This has limited access to its resources for the global academic community. However, the institute's legacy continues through its publications and the impact of its research on Iranian studies.

 

The Iranian National Studies Institute has been a cornerstone in the exploration and documentation of Iran's national identity and social dynamics. Through its dedicated research, publications, and events, INSI has enriched the understanding of Iran's complex cultural landscape. While facing challenges in the digital age, the institute's contributions remain invaluable to scholars and anyone interested in the intricate tapestry of Iranian society.

 

RINSWeb.org