While the Iranian nation-state has long captivated the attention of our media and politics, this book examines a country that is often misunderstood and explores forgotten aspects of the debate. Using innovative multi-disciplinary methods, it investigates the formation of an Iranian national identity over the last century and, significantly, the role of Iranian people in defining the contours of that identity. By employing popular culture as an archive of study, Assal Rad aims to rediscover the ordinary Iranian in studies of contemporary Iran, demonstrating how identity was shaped by music, literature, and film. Both accessible in style and meticulously researched, Rad's work cultivates a more holistic picture of Iranian politics, policy, and society, showing how the Iran of the past is intimately connected to that of the present.

'In this thoroughly researched book, Assal H. Rad provides a deep historical analysis of Iranian national identity and the many ways it has been a site of intense debate and contestation. Rad has written an important book that allows us to better understand the complexities of post-revolutionary Iranian politics and society.'

Narges Bajoghli - John Hopkins University

'Required reading for anyone seeking to understand modern Iranian identity and the ongoing struggle to define it. Assal H. Rad beautifully shows that while every governing system in Iran has sought to legitimize its rule by forging its own variation of Iranian nationalism and identity, independence and freedom from foreign subjugation have constituted irreplaceable ingredients in any such endeavor.'

Trita Parsi - Georgetown University

'In her compelling first book, Assal H. Rad takes us on a journey through Iranian music, film, and TV drama to argue that we must seek Iran’s post-revolutionary identity in works of cultural production. Her interdisciplinary approach and lucid writing make for a book that will be welcomed by students and general readers alike.'

Nahid Siamdoust - The University of Texas at Austin