Gharbzadegi: Weststruckness

Gharbzadegi [Weststruckness] is a tour de force on social conditions in Iran. It was written in 1962 when the Pahlavi regime seemed to have control over Iran's destiny. For the author, Al-e Ahmad (1923-1969), the result was total national submission to the West and its technology. The Iranian monarchy is portrayed in this work as no more than a native brokerage for Western influence, with no aims and identity of its own. Al-e Ahmad sought to defined in large part by a tradition of conflict with the West. This essay is a document of immense significance for students of Iranian social and intellectual history.Observers of contemporary problems in the developing world in general and in the Middle East in particular will find much in it that pertains to the concern about modernization, Westernization and development. This volume includes twelve previously unpublished illustrations exclusively drawn for Mazda Publishers by the renowned artist, Ardeshir Mohassess. Read more