Critical Discourse and Nezami Ganjavi (A Case Study of Makhzan al-Asrar Based on Fairclough’s Theory)

Abstract

Discourse is a force that emerges from the triadic relationship among rationality, ideology, and power, and is employed for political strategies. Norman Fairclough grounds his theory in a critical approach and maintains that discourse, alongside other methods, is used to examine social and cultural changes. From his perspective, the application of discourse constitutes a form of resistance to colonialism and domination, and research in this field primarily contributes to raising awareness of socio-exploitative relations. In the present study, the explanatory level of the discourses in Makhzan al-Asrar is analyzed in order to determine Nezami Ganjavi’s stance in interaction with domination, and to assess the extent to which he engages in resistance to colonialism and domination and contributes to awareness of socio-exploitative relations. Accordingly, following a brief introduction, a review of the literature, and the theoretical framework, it is concluded that Nezami, in the discourses of Makhzan al-Asrar (with the exception of the fourth discourse), is primarily concerned with strengthening ethical rationality and developing religious ideology, without critiquing the legitimacy of the ruling system or engaging in criticism of domination.