The Role of Objects in Oral Narrative

Philosophers refer to anything that exists—or possesses the potential to exist—as an object. This concept may manifest in material forms, abstract notions, and even human emotions and lived experiences. In other words, an object encompasses a vast spectrum of beings and phenomena, each endowed with particular attributes and characteristics, and apprehensible in diverse modalities.

Managing Oral History Interviews

One of the foundational and crucial considerations in oral history is the selection of the subject of an oral history project. Although oral-history topics are numerous and wide-ranging, interviewers should keep several key principles in mind when choosing a theme. First, does the proposed subject possess genuine researchability? Second, is there access to primary, first-hand interviewees? And finally, does the topic merit the investment of time and effort?

Comparative Analysis of Women’s and Men’s Written Memoirs in the Sacred Defense

The written memoirs of the Sacred Defense constitute one of the most significant sources for apprehending the human, cultural, and social layer of the Iraqi-imposed war against Iran. These recollections, far beyond mere historical narration, reflect the inner world of individuals who lived at the very heart of unfolding events. Each page stands as a testament to the emotions, faith, fear, hope, and steadfastness of a nation that,...

The Delineation of Imagination and Reality in Memoir Writing

From Nowhere-Land to Utopia

In every society, the past persists not only in documents and recorded events, but within memories, narratives, and the collective imagination of the people. What is registered as memory or oral history is often a combination of factual experience and mental reconstruction. Drawing on the concept of imagination in the philosophy of history and memory ...

Comparing the Narratives of Commanders and Ordinary Combatants in the Sacred Defense

An Analysis of Functions and Consequences

The experience of the Sacred Defense cannot be comprehended merely through statistics or official reports; what truly endures from war are the narratives of those who stood upon its frontlines. These narratives, however, vary significantly depending on one’s position, responsibilities, and lived experience.

Oral Narratives: An Open Window into Cultural Discourse

Researchers in the social and cultural sciences, considering the characteristics of oral narratives, can obtain a tangible and vivid picture of what people believe, think, and feel. Unlike official written sources, which are often dry and impersonal, oral narratives are interwoven with ideas, emotions, and lived experiences, and they have the potential to reflect the depth of public culture and the dominant discourse of society.

Prerequisites and Methodology for Compiling Oral History

Within the realm of knowledge and intellectual inquiry, a subtle boundary distinguishes imagination from reality. Imagination, when situated within the domains of literature and art, serves as a driving force of creation, generating worlds of greater beauty and aesthetic depth. However, when this force encroaches upon historical narrative, it transforms into a destructive affliction, undermining the foundations of collective memory.

Review of the Book Matbakh: Memoirs of the Freed Iranian Prisoner of War, Baba-Ali (Sabzali) Ramezanpour

Life in Tikrit Camp No. 12

"From the signboards, I realized they were taking us to Basra. Like a long train, we entered the city. I assumed they wanted to showcase us as a spectacle, to boast that they had captured many prisoners. The people stood on both sides of the street, spitting upon us.

The Unique Position of the Iranian Oral History Website

The topic of "oral history" has only recently become a significant concern among historians in Iran, sparking numerous discussions about its importance and various dimensions. The necessity of addressing this subject has now become evident—especially in today’s world, where, for various reasons, there is an unprecedented and often covert battle between competing narratives.

A Brief Reference

It is generally preferable to have direct and immediate knowledge of an event rather than rely on indirect information. This preference stems from the trustworthiness and accuracy of firsthand experience. When it comes to specific historical events, however, the importance of direct knowledge becomes even greater. This is especially true because such information is meant to be passed down to future generations, helping ...
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Challenges of Interviewing in Oral History

After years of studying the theoretical foundations of oral history, conducting numerous interviews and going through their post-interview stages, as well as reading the available body of oral history literature, I was eventually given the opportunity to evaluate the edited versions of dozens of oral history projects.

Comparing the Narratives of Commanders and Ordinary Combatants in the Sacred Defense

An Analysis of Functions and Consequences
The experience of the Sacred Defense cannot be comprehended merely through statistics or official reports; what truly endures from war are the narratives of those who stood upon its frontlines. These narratives, however, vary significantly depending on one’s position, responsibilities, and lived experience.

Unveiling of the book "Oral History: What and Why"

The First report: Alireza Kamari
According to the Oral History website, the unveiling ceremony of the book "Oral History: What and Why" by Hamid Qazvini was held on Sunday evening, November 24, 1404, in the presence of experts in the field of oral history in the Salman Farsi Hall of the Arts Center.