The Role History & Religion Play in Art

It is important to understand the history of Iran and the religion of Islam as it is a critical component to women's right in the country.

Known as Persia until 1935, Iran's first Persian Empire was established in 6^th century BC and lasted until the 6^th century A.D.

Riza Shah Pahlavi became ruler in 1925, with ambitions plans of modernizing Iran. He made education compulsory, freed women from harem, banned hijab and rebuilt Tehran into a modern city. The ban of hijab however was later modified, when women refused to leave their homes without it.

In 1941, Mohammad Reza Shah replaced his father, and wanted to continue his reform policies. He however relied more on manipulation than on leadership. In fact their was even an assassination attempt on his life in 1949.

In 1963, he advocated reform policies known as "The White Revolution" which included voting rights to women. He refused to ban gambling, alcohol, and premarital sex. Religious leaders feared loosing their traditions authority. The rapid growth and modernization programs in Iran accompanied by ostentatious private wealth become greatly resented by the bulk of the population. Shah was even criticized for violations o the constitution.

In 1979, Ayatollah Khomeini overthrew the government of shah's rule, and Shah fled Iran. From an autocratic pro-west monarchy under Shah to an Islamic thermally under Khomeini, the new government had a major shift towards conservatism.

It revived Islamic traditions. Western influence and music was banned. Women were forces to return to traditional veiled dresses.

The Quran's topics about women discuss protecting and sheltering women. The Quran recognizes men and women as equally. Historically Islam was first to establish inheritance for women, and required a woman's free consent before marriage.

However often sighted as proof of oppression towards Muslim women is a passage that grants men the right to marry more than one wife, but demands that he be able to treat all wives equally. Very few men could and actually fulfill this requirement and have acknowledged such.

A Muslim woman's religion has caused varying levels of stereotype. What many "westerners" would consider oppression or discrimination against women, Muslim woman see as a status placed upon them as a higher-ranking level of respect than men.

Many see these women and assume they are submissive and oppressed, un-educated.

In the west a woman's sexuality is used an advantage to get her what she wants. It is also used as a marketing tool for cigarettes, alcohol, even cars.

Most Muslim women concede to wearing the hijab. Other than pride of the religion they feel by wearing their hijab their honor, dignity, chastity, purity, and integrity are protected.

It makes a statement about who they are, and the respect they expect from others.

Even here in the U.S., you find free American, Muslim Women, working, gaining an education and playing a part in society dressed modestly and wearing hijab. The hijab is a format of political protest; a way of not conforming to this society's desire of sexuality. A way of identifying with Islamic values and rejection of the western process instated upon Muslim women in order to play a part in society.

Artist, Shirin Neshat was born and raised in Qazvin, Iran. She moved after high school graduation in 1974 to study. Eleven years later, she went back home to visit her family, and noticed a radical transformation the women in her country had endured.

Using this as her Inspiration her photography and films bring out anger, fear and even genuine interests to its western viewers.

Her work address, social, political and psychological dimensions of women's experience in contemporary Islamic societies.

As in the photo "Speechless" in the background, she questions the role of women in Islamic societies by using the Chador as an icon for repression and female identity. Photographing strong women holding guns, which show that one, religion cannot be separated from politics and violence. In addition, to break away the stereotype that Muslim women are submissive, oppressed and weak. Yet delicate Farsi calligraphy is written on their flawless faces, hands, and souls of the feet of these women. Possibly, it is to show their connection with God, and the historical aspect of the Persian Empire.

Resources:

1. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?122

2. http://www.artcyclopedia.com/artists/neshat_shirin.html

3. http://www.britannica.com/eb/article?tocId=230074

4. http://www.ccds.charlotte.nc.us/History/MidEast/04/regel/regelbrugge.htm

5. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iranian_Revolution

6. http://www.iranian.com/Arts/Dec97/Neshat/

7. http://www.time.com/time/europe/photoessays/neshat/Speechless
1996, B/W RC print and ink, photo: Larry Barnshttp://www.news.cornell.edu/Chronicle/02/11.21.02/cinema.html