Ideologies with regard to the source of power are one of the basic elements that the legitimacy of states based on. One of these ideologies, which reflect the perception of sovereignty of states, is divine support based on the idea of the sanctity of the ruler and the dynasty of which the ruler is a member. The source of sovereignty and power in the history of Ancient Iran represents a structure that develops in the scope of religious principals. The main point of this is the good (truth, justice, order) or bad (lie, chaos) relationship of the ruler with god. According to this relationship, it was believed that if the ruler had a good relationship with the god, god bestow power (Glory) to the ruler. However, if the ruler showed misgovern on the country, the power was taken back by the god. This relationship between god and the ruler was expressed in written and archaeological sources in ancient Iran. In this regard, the Yasna and Yasht sections of the Avesta and the Persian and Sasanian inscriptions reflect the divine choice/authority. In iconographic sources, divine choice was illustrated by the symbols with some sacred meanings. The aim of this study is to examine the reflections of the divine choice ideology in written and iconographic sources during the Persian, Parthian and Sasanian period in ancient Iran and to trace the historical course of this ideology in the mentioned dynasties. In this regard, it is understood that the ruler in the mentioned dynasties period was a representative chosen by god, but there were some obligations that needs to be fulfilled by him in order to take the power. The basis of this is to gain the grace of god. For this purpose, the image of a pious king was created. As a result of the divine choice ideology, the idea of world domination emerged in the sources of the Persian and Sasanian periods. Divine choice ideology was presented as a message with the written and visual materials and therefore it became a symbol of the legitimacy propaganda.
Primary Language | Turkish |
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Journal Section | Makaleler |
Authors | |
Publication Date | December 31, 2021 |
Published in Issue | Year 2021 Volume: 5 Issue: 2 |
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