Galtung's

Dalir, Nayere; Baratloo, Fateme

doi:10.30465/lir.2025.51047.1975

Galtung's "Positive Peace" versus "Dual Worlds"; A Reflection on the Iranian Idea of "World Peace" in Ferdowsi's Shahnameh

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Nayere Dalir ¹

fateme baratloo ²

¹ AssociateProfessor

² Associate professor

10.30465/lir.2025.51047.1975

Abstract

Despite its epic nature, Ferdowsi's Shahnameh contains numerous references to reconciliation between humans and animals, which can be formulated as the Iranian idea of "world peace." On the other hand, the theory of "positive peace" from the perspective of Johann Galtung emphasizes components such as the absence of structural and cultural violence, acceptance of cultural differences, realization of social justice, and inner peace in order to achieve "lasting peace" in today's societies. This article attempts to answer two key questions by comparative examination of Galtung's theory of "positive peace" and the idea of "world peace" in the Shahnameh: How can the epistemological system of the Shahnameh be interpreted as a representation of the Iranian idea of "world peace" versus "positive peace"? And what contradictions and challenges to the idea of "world peace" compared to the theory of "positive peace" make its realization difficult? The research findings show that the concept of "global reconciliation" in the Shahnameh carries messages of reconciliation and coexistence, but is based on opposition to the "other." These contradictions are rooted in the narrative structure of national history and the global approach of the Shahnameh. Other research findings clarify the refusal of the conditions for realizing "lasting peace" based on mythological-religious foundations and the system of dual worlds (Iranian/non-Iranian), while paying attention to "global reconciliation."

Keywords

Ferdowsi

Shahnameh

Peace

Psitive

Galtung

Subjects