Orientalistics: Podcast on Language, Religion and Culture

Farshid Delshad
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  • PHILOSOPHY
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I am a linguist and scholar of Middle Eastern studies by profession, and in this podcast I offer a wide range of topics with a particular focus and historical linguistics, culture, religion and languages of the Middle East and the world of Islam. However, you might find here also philological subjects on Indo-European linguistics and Caucasian studies.

  1. Why Leftists Are Against a Monarchy in Iran?

    1D AGO

    Why Leftists Are Against a Monarchy in Iran?

    Why Leftists Are Against a Monarchy in Iran?

    16 min
  2. Islamic Republic of Iran

    FEB 9

    Islamic Republic of Iran

    One of the most striking oxymorons incontemporary political language is the official title “The Islamic Republicof Iran.”

    5 min
  3. What does it mean to be an Iranian?

    FEB 9

    What does it mean to be an Iranian?

    What does it mean to be an Iranian? For Iranians, the enduring thread that has connected generations across centuries and continues to unite us is neither race, ancestry, native language, nor religion. What truly binds us is "being Iranian" — a deep-rooted, continuous identity with nearly three thousand years of shared history, thought, creativity, and resilience. Being Iranian means participating in a long collective story that began on the Iranian plateau: the story of diverse peoples who, despite their differences, have lived under the same sky, considered the same land home, and intertwined their destinies. In this land, Zoroastrians, Jews, Christians, Muslims, and non-believers have coexisted; Persian, Kurdish, Luri, Balochi, and Turkic speakers have thrived side by side. Yet what has held everyone together is the shared name and identity of Iran. Iran is more than geographical borders — it is a common memory of joys and sorrows, defeats and triumphs; a language of thought and a way of living that values kindness, justice, wisdom, and dialogue. This identity was not forged in a single moment or by one ruler; it evolved gradually over generations, enriched by every group, belief, and culture that contributed to it. In an era when ideological divisions and labels drive people apart, returning to the essence of being Iranian can serve as a powerful force for unity — not by erasing differences, but by bringing them together in harmony. Being Iranian means embracing diversity without breaking the profound bond that connects us. Today, if we ask what can draw us closer again, the answer lies in a living past that still breathes. Being Iranian is a home we have all built together — and only together can we preserve it.

    2 min
  4. What is Critical Historiography?

    JAN 29

    What is Critical Historiography?

    What is Critical Historiography? Modern historical research shows that no contemporary, non-Muslim sources document the life of Muhammad in the seventh century. The earliest surviving biography, Ibn Hisham’s Sīra, appears about two centuries later. Unlike Judaism, Christianity, or Zoroastrianism, early Islamic history relies almost entirely on later internal traditions, raising serious historiographical questions.بررسی تاریخ‌نگاری نشان می‌دهد هیچ منبع هم‌زمان و غیرمسلمان از سده‏ى هفتم به زندگی محمد پيامبر مسلمانان اشاره‏اى نمی‌کند. كهن‌ترین سیرهٔ باقی‌مانده حدود دویست سال پس از مرگ وى نوشته شده. برخلاف یهودیت، مسیحیت و آيين زرتشت، روایت آغازین اسلام عمدتاً بر منابع متأخر درون‌دینی تکیه دارد و نیازمند نقد تاریخی است⁠#historicalmethod⁠ ; ⁠#earlyislam⁠ ; ⁠#historiography⁠ ; ⁠#criticalhistory⁠ ; ⁠#religiousstudies⁠ ; ⁠#primarysources⁠

    3 min
  5. What does it mean to be an Arab?

    JAN 22

    What does it mean to be an Arab?

    What does it mean to be an Arab? شو يعني أن تكون عربيًا؟ هل هي عرق؟ أم إثنية؟ أم أنها مجرد إعتقاد ودين؟ مناقشة موجزة جدًا حول جذور الهوية العربية.What does it mean to be an Arab is it a race, an ethnicity? or is it just a belief? A very short discussion about the roots of Arabness

    3 min
  6. On the History of the Word Religion: Etymology

    JAN 18

    On the History of the Word Religion: Etymology

    On the History of the Word Religion: Etymology The modern concept of “religion” is a recent construct and does not correspond to earlier Iranian and Semitic meanings. In Avestan, daēnā- (𐬛𐬀𐬉𐬥𐬀) denotes inner vision, conscience, and moral insight, not an institutional faith. Old Persian concepts related to truth and order (arta), while Middle Persian dēn signified ethical law and correct understanding. In Aramaic, dīn (דין) meant law and judgement, a juridical notion. Only later did Arabic dīn (دين) acquire a broader confessional sense. By contrast, Latin religio referred to ritual obligation, not belief—showing that “religion” as understood today is largely a modern reinterpretation. مفهوم امروزی «دین» در اصل ساخته‌ای مدرن است و با معانی کهن ایرانی و سامی هم‌خوانی کامل ندارد. در اوستایی، daēnā- (𐬛𐬀𐬉𐬥𐬀) به معنای بینش درونی، وجدان و آگاهی اخلاقی است، نه یک نظام اعتقادی نهادی. در پارسی باستان، مفاهیم دینی با «راستی و نظم» (arta) پیوند داشتند و در پهلوی، dēn بیشتر به قانون اخلاقی و فهم درست اشاره می‌کرد. در آرامی، دین (דין) به معنای داوری و قانون بود. این شواهد نشان می‌دهد که «دین» در معنای مدرن، بازخوانی‌ای متأخر است، نه مفهومی کهن.

    3 min
  7. Iran: Between Silence & Resistance انقلاب ملی ایرانیان

    JAN 16

    Iran: Between Silence & Resistance انقلاب ملی ایرانیان

    Iran : Between Silence & Resistance A Conversation with Dr Shahin Nejad In this episode, we examine Iran through the lens of silence and resistance—questioning why regional powers, Western governments, and progressive movements often remain muted in the face of the Islamic Republic’s violence. We explore the geopolitical interests of actors such as Turkey and Qatar, the selective outrage of global activism, and the contradictions within anti-imperialist discourse. The discussion also addresses the regime’s escalating repression, the limits of state terror, and whether Iranian society has reached a point of irreversible defiance. Framed historically and analytically, this conversation invites students and scholars of Middle Eastern studies to reflect on moral responsibility, political realism, and the future of Iran. Keywords #iran #iranuprising #middleeastpolitics #politicalislam #humanrights #geopolitics #activism #doublestandards #irgc #basij #iraniansociety #islamicregime #persiansudies#middleeasternstudies #shahinnejad #shahin_nejad #iraninan

    1h 10m
  8. Stadtbild in Deutschland

    JAN 8

    Stadtbild in Deutschland

    Short caption „In line with recent statements by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, I recently posted a video about the changing face of German cities. It sparked extremely controversial reactions – some even accused me of exaggeration.As promised, here’s the video with clear evidence. No further commentary needed.If you understand German, watch and judge for yourself.“

    2 min
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About

I am a linguist and scholar of Middle Eastern studies by profession, and in this podcast I offer a wide range of topics with a particular focus and historical linguistics, culture, religion and languages of the Middle East and the world of Islam. However, you might find here also philological subjects on Indo-European linguistics and Caucasian studies.

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