Examining Characterization in Shahnameh and Its Impact on the National Identity of High School Students with an Emphasis on Upper Secondary Persian Textbooks
Keywords:
Shahnameh, characterisation, National Identity, Persian Books for the Second Intermediate Level, Moral educationAbstract
The present study was conducted with the aim of examining characterization in the Shahnameh and its impact on the national identity of students in upper secondary Persian textbooks. This study is descriptive–analytical and qualitative in nature, and by using content analysis of textbooks and the texts of the Shahnameh, the individual, ethical, social, and identity-related dimensions of the characters were analyzed. The findings showed that the characters of the Shahnameh, such as Rostam, Siavash, Kay Khosrow, and Sohrab, possess multidimensional traits, and each carries significant educational and identity-related messages for students. The representation of these characters in upper secondary Persian textbooks varies: the tenth-grade textbook focuses more on epic and tragic aspects, the eleventh-grade textbook emphasizes ethics and moral lessons, and the twelfth-grade textbook highlights rationality, pursuit of justice, and political prudence. National identity indicators such as patriotism, justice-seeking, self-sacrifice, and loyalty are strongly present in the textbooks and have a positive impact on students, although the indicators of rationality and analysis of social issues receive less attention. The study concludes that the characterization in the Shahnameh has considerable potential to strengthen national identity, foster ethical education, and promote cultural motivation in the younger generation. It also emphasizes that providing deeper analyses and complementary educational activities can enhance the effectiveness of these texts.
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