Formation and development of comparative literature studies in Iran

Comparative literature studies are relatively new branch of the field of literary history studies. It has gone through many crises during last two centuries. Comparative literature studies are intercultural and interdisciplinary field that attempts to cross geographic boundaries and can build a bridge between different cultures and nations. The article deals with comparative literature studies in Iran and also provides an overview about the history and origins of comparative literature and its current situation. Some Iranian researchers’ articles and books are discussed in the article. Comparative mythology is one of the most popular areas in comparative research. Comparative literature studies in Iran have experienced lots of ups and downs. Its history in Iran dates back to 1938, but this new type of literary research is not taught frequently in Iranian universities and has rarely an independent academic department, scientific association, and specialized journal. The concept of “World Literature” in Iran evoked a polemical opposition between the concepts of “world” and “national” literature. Some scholars consider comparative studies as a tool for the development of national literature, the formation of its role in the world arena in an atmosphere of cultural diversity and respect for each national culture. Others rather see in world literature the danger of “cultural imperialism”, which generates a “crisis of identity and illegitimacy”, which can lead to the European orientation of Eastern cultures. In this regard, the fate of literature in Iran has long been compared to that of Arabic. In despite of rather rapid development and application of the comparative method in modern Iran, this field promises to flourish in the Iranian Academy.