Asian Culture and Art Studies (Motaleat-e Farhang va Honare Asiya)

Abstract The relationship between cinema and politics is one of the central axes of reflection in contemporary thought—particularly when art is conceived not merely as a representation of reality, but as a space for the cultivation of political ideas and the emergence of new emancipatory subjectivities. Japanese cinema, especially in the latter half of the twentieth century, represents a tradition in which this theoretical dimension has received significant attention. Among the prominent filmmakers of this tradition, Kenji Mizoguchi has addressed the issue of liberation from structural oppression through various cinematic strategies. Sanshō the Bailiff stands out as a key example, portraying the vital role of human morality in confronting injustice and envisioning another possible world.

This study, employing an interpretive-analytical method and drawing upon the concepts of “biopolitics,” “constituent power,” “multitude,” and “the common” in the political philosophy of Antonio Negri, seeks to analyze the film not merely as a depiction of suffering, but as a site for the emergence of resistance and the formation of political subjectivity. Here, resistance does not appear as heroic revolt, but rather through sacrifice, silence, and collective memory. Accordingly, the study asks: what narrative of alternative resistance does Sanshō the Bailiff offer? The findings suggest that the film’s core elements of resistance align with Negri’s thought—particularly in the creation of the common and the formation of subjectivity within conditions of shared suffering.

Abstract This article examines the transformation of cultural taste and identity politics among Afghan immigrants in Iran, focusing on changes in dress. As a result of migration and prolonged exposure to Iranian culture, Afghan immigrants experience significant shifts in clothing styles, reflecting broader processes of cultural adaptation and identity negotiation. These changes are influenced by various factors, including social and cultural pressures, generational differences, age, education, employment, and media exposure. Younger generations (second and third) are more influenced by Iranian fashion trends and tend to adopt modern clothing, while older generations (first) generally strive to preserve traditional Afghan attire. However, many immigrants blend traditional and contemporary clothing as a strategy to maintain cultural identity while adapting to the host society. The study employs an ethnographic approach, using participant observation and in-depth interviews with 16 Afghan immigrants residing in Shahrak-e Qaem, Qom. Findings reveal that clothing is not only a personal or aesthetic choice but also a symbolic representation of identity, power, and belonging. Changes in dress reflect complex interactions between native and host cultures and illustrate how immigrants navigate between cultural preservation and social integration. The research highlights the role of generational differences, media influence, and socio-cultural contexts in shaping the evolving dress preferences of Afghan immigrants in Iran.

Abstract The aim of the present research is to study the future ways of developing cultural tourism in Iran in order to provide a suitable cognitive and scientific basis for planners and policymakers, relying on the opinions of the elites. In terms of its applied purpose, the present research has been conducted at an exploratory level in terms of survey method and based on the futures research approach. Given the nature of this research, first a number of specialists and experts were selected and then the Delphi method and documentary studies were used to determine the key drivers. The number of participants in the Delphi who were identified and participated in the research consisted of 15 experts in the field of tourism management and the Planning and Budget Organization. In order to validate and reach a consensus on the important drivers, fuzzy Delphi analysis was used. In the second stage, by applying the interaction analysis method using the MIKMAC software, a structural analysis of the drivers identified in the first stage was carried out. The research findings showed that the potential of cultural diversity and the existence of world heritage sites and places related to cultural myths, especially the diversity of religions and sects, can play a key role in the development of cultural tourism in future planning.

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The vibrant world of music and painting, despite its aesthetic allure, conceals psychological challenges for artists. These unrecognized disparities underscore the need for research to understand their mental health. This study aimed to compare the intensity of anxiety, coping styles, and resilience among professional musicians and painters in Tehran. Employing a descriptive-comparative design, the study population consisted of artists with at least three years of professional experience in 2025. A convenience sample of 100 participants (50 musicians and 50 painters) was selected. Data were collected using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Lazarus and Folkman’s Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WOCQ), and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and analyzed via multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Findings revealed that musicians exhibited higher anxiety and emotion-focused coping, while painters demonstrated greater problem-focused coping and resilience. No significant difference was found in avoidant coping. These results align with prior studies and highlight the impact of artistic practice on mental health. It is recommended that psychological interventions, such as stress management workshops, be designed to support musicians and enhance their resilience. Future research could explore the effects of social support and educational interventions.

Abstract Integrating insights from cultural geography into peacebuilding practices can significantly enhance their effectiveness. By focusing on these insights from cultural geography, peacebuilders can create communities that are not only resilient to conflicts but also thrive through diversity and cooperation. Understanding the social, historical, and spatial dimensions of these concepts allows for the development of more precise and impactful approaches to establishing and maintaining peace in different societies. Accordingly, the present article, relying on a descriptive-explanatory method, examines the interaction between cultural geography and peacebuilding and argues that by embracing and recognizing aspects such as cultural identity, place-making, cultural heritage, intercultural dialogue, the importance of bottom-up peacebuilding, and understanding the significance of the environment, peacebuilding efforts can create environments where diverse communities coexist peacefully. These strategies not only address immediate conflicts but also contribute to a long-term resilience and social cohesion. In a world still grappling with numerous challenges, learning lessons from cultural geography as fundamental principles will be effective in shaping a peaceful future.

Abstract The subject of migration, as a global phenomenon, not only has economic and social dimensions but also encompasses profound cultural and identity-related aspects. Afghan migrants in Iran, with shared experiences of war, migration, and life in the host country, have formed a collective identity influenced by migration policies, social discrimination, and cultural resistance strategies. This research examines the role of collective memory in shaping the identity of migrants, the impact of government policies, and their cultural resistance strategies. The research methodology is qualitative with an ethnographic approach, utilizing techniques such as participant observation and in-depth interviews with 22 migrants (16 men and 6 women) in the Ghaem neighborhood of Qom. The findings indicate that the collective memory of migrants, as a dynamic process, is shaped by factors such as shared experiences, Iran's migration policies, and socio-economic discrimination. Restrictions on residence, employment, and education directly affect their collective memory and identity. Moreover, migrants employ strategies such as preserving language, celebrating traditional festivals, preparing traditional foods, and transmitting personal narratives to resist cultural assimilation and safeguard their identity. The results suggest that reforming migration policies can help create an environment where migrants are able to maintain their identity and achieve better integration. This approach not only improves their social and cultural conditions but also strengthens intercultural interactions.