The Interaction of Utopia and Nostalgia in the Discourse of the Islamic Revolution of Iran: A Reflection of Ideal and Memory

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Mehdi Zibaei 1
Nabi Azadi 2
1 Associate Professor, Faculty of Social Science, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran
2 PhD. candidate in Political Science-Iranian Issues, Imam Khomeini International University
10.22084/rjir.2026.32152.4011
Abstract
Objective: The Islamic Revolution, being one of the most significant socio-political developments of the twentieth century, was shaped by the interaction of "utopia" and "nostalgia." These forces structured the semantic framework of the revolution, challenged existing utopias, and provided motivations for the uprising, as well as legitimacy to the political structure. This research aims to elucidate how the dialectical interaction of utopia and nostalgia influenced the discourse of the Islamic Revolution, resulting in the creation of a revolutionary identity and the mobilization of the masses.



Research methodology: The research utilized a descriptive-analytical approach and drew upon Laclau and Mouffe's theoretical framework of discourse analysis. It relied on library resources, historical documents, speeches, and discourse texts related to the revolution.



Findings: Utopia, which envisioned a society grounded in Mahdist justice, freedom, and unity of the Islamic nation, propelled social transformation. Nostalgia selectively reconstructed Shiite historical memory, specifically highlighting Alawite justice and the Ashura uprising, thereby legitimizing the revolution. The articulation of these symbols established a revolutionary “us” identity in opposition to the “other.”



Conclusion: The discourse of the Islamic Revolution can be viewed as a manifestation of “futuristic nostalgia,” where the sacred past was not merely replicated for a return, but served as an inspirational basis for constructing an ideal future. Nostalgia played a legitimizing role, while utopia spurred and guided revolutionary endeavors.
Keywords
Utopia
nostalgia
Islamic Revolution
discourse
identity
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