Mohammad Ali Foroughi Dardashti (1256–5 Azar 1321 / November 26, 1942), widely known as Zoka-ol-Molk, was a distinguished Iranian writer, politician, and a prominent figure in the Constitutional Movement.
Foroughi played a pivotal role in the establishment of the University of Tehran and served as the founder and first president of the Iranian Cultural Center. He Also contributed significantly to the establishment of the National Heritage Society, dedicating his efforts to preserving and safeguarding Iran’s historical heritage. Furthermore, he edited several notable literary works, with Kulliyat-e Saadi being the most well-known.
Foroughi authored “The Course of European Philosophy”, the first Persian book on Western philosophy, and wrote extensively on topics such as history—especially ancient Iranian history—economics, and law.
The following essay by Mohammad Ali Foroughi, titled “Love for the Homeland,” showcases his profound devotion and unwavering passion for his country.
Why Should We Love Iran?
“Today, many principles once held sacred are now questioned, including love for one’s homeland and national identity. Some seek to replace patriotism with purely international sentiments.
True patriotism does not conflict with love for humanity. If one’s attachment to their homeland serves only to create divisions or personal gain, it is selfishness, not patriotism. Such behavior, like exploiting religious differences, is harmful and must be rejected.
However, selfless patriotism arises from gratitude toward the homeland for its support, akin to a child’s love for their parents. This love is not only admirable but an obligation.
Moreover, patriotism and universal love coexist. Just as one owes gratitude to their parents and fellow citizens, they are also indebted to humanity. The happiness of an individual or nation is tied to the welfare of all. In this sense, patriotism strengthens human solidarity and cooperation.”
A Deeper Foundation for Patriotism
Besides, there is another reason and the root for patriotism which, in my opinion, is deeper rooted and stronger than the previous reason; a foundation that is strong and enduring.
Modern scholars agree that humanity is on a continuous journey toward progress and perfection. Our collective moral duty is to contribute to this advancement. Nations that fulfill this responsibility earn respect and affection, and those excelling in their efforts are especially valued. Conversely, nations that falter in this duty lose esteem—unless their shortcomings are due to external obstacles, in which case it becomes the responsibility of others to help remove these barriers and support their growth.
Therefore, individuals belonging to a nation that actively contributes to humanity’s progress have every reason to love their homeland. This love, while recognizing and respecting other nations, remains both rational and commendable.
Reflecting on Iranian history, it is clear that Iranians have consistently played a leading role in advancing human progress. Their contributions, often surpassing those of others, justify a deep and enduring sense of patriotism.
Although the Iranian nation has faced periods of decline and decay in the course of history, these periods have been temporary and transient. Despite the storms of events that have besieged Iran and its people, they have never completely extinguished the light of knowledge or the flame of enthusiasm in the hearts of Iranians. As the poet Khwaja Hafiz Shirazi once said:
“The reason we are respected by the temple of the magi’s is that the fire that never dies is in our hearts.”
Whenever the Iranian people have had power, they have used it to establish security, peace, and prosperity for their people. They have governed their subjugated peoples with kindness and compassion, respecting their customs, language, and distinct identities. They have never resorted to destruction, violence, or mass slaughter, even when repeatedly subjected to plunder, destruction, and murder by external enemies. When they had the upper hand, they did not seek revenge.
Our ancient belief system regards destruction and savagery as the works of evil forces, while creating the grounds for prosperity, enlightenment and health is considered as a path towards the divine.
Throughout our 3000 years history, true Iranians—those who truly embodied Iranian values—have not stained their names by copying the savagery of our ancient enemies regarding Assyrians, Babylonians, Chinggisids, Timurids, and others. In Iran, acts of suffering, killing, plundering, destruction, and blind fanaticism have rarely been the work of Iranians themselves; more often, these actions were influenced by external forces.”
Unlike the Greek and the Romans, Iranians never enslaved and burdened their subordinates with their personal demands. They did not exploit others for their own amusement. Iranian rulers never made prisoners fight or forced them into dangerous spectacles with animals. Unlike the Spaniards, they did not expel hundreds of thousands of innocent people because of religious differences. Instead, they invited foreigners into their land. The treatment of Armenians by the Safavid rulers is an example of this approach. The conquest of Babylon by Cyrus the Great symbolized the liberation of the Jewish people after seventy years of captivity. Throughout each era of Iranian power, we see the flourishing of human achievements—science, wisdom, poetry, agriculture, commerce, industry, and all aspects of civilization. Iranian rulers engaged in these pursuits and encouraged foreigners to join them. Our great kings, like Darius and Artaxerxes, invited scholars and philosophers to their courts. When scholars were exiled from their homelands, they were welcomed with kindness in Iranian courts and were able to continue their studies and work in our educational institutions.
Unfortunately, the achievements of our ancestors have been obliterated by the hands of oppressors. To understand them, we must rely on indirect evidence. The wise words of our great men and kings testify to their nobility and broad vision. Their pursuit of wisdom, evidenced by their engagement with classics like “Kalila and Demna,” shows their scholarly inclinations. The industrial remains found in the ruins of their palaces demonstrate their artistic creativity and innate taste.
The greatness, talent, and wisdom of the Iranian people were widely recognized by many nations, even their adversaries, who spoke highly of them. The name ‘Iranian’ symbolized bravery, kindness, enthusiasm, sensitivity, wisdom, and knowledge in the minds of people worldwide. Whenever the sayings of world leaders from different nations and eras are reviewed—whether friends or foes, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Jews, Indians, or numerous European tribes—they reflect admiration for Iranians, either directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally.
Whenever Iranian dominance was lost and foreign influences obscured the Iranian intellect, the region’s overall development suffered. However, even in these periods, the Iranian essence of talent and capability had a lasting impact, integrating invaders into the broader civilization over time. The flourishing of science, wisdom, and industry during the Abbasid Caliphate, a period of human achievement, highlights the vital role of Iranians in shaping this golden era. Despite restrictions, Iranians found new ways to express their creativity—whether through religion, calligraphy, or other decorative arts—demonstrating their enduring cultural and intellectual legacy.
Iran’s influence in science, literature, and industry remains strong, even though efforts in the past century have tried to weaken it. For centuries, particularly in Western and Central Asia, Iran was the main source of education, civilization, and knowledge, acting as the center of intellectual brilliance.
When Iranians faced unfavorable conditions at home and had to migrate to other countries, they took their knowledge, industry, and wealth with them, maintaining their reputation and contributing to the development of host nations. This influence is evident across many neighboring countries, especially in India, where the impact of Iranian Islamic culture is clear. The Parsis, descendants of ancient Iranians, continue to hold a respected position in Indian society and contribute to various fields.
These statements aim to show that Iranians are capable of fulfilling their humanitarian duties. Despite emerging from a period of historical darkness, the Iranian spirit and capability are still apparent. As different civilizations from East and West converge, Iranian ingenuity and wisdom can once again serve as a valuable, contributing force in shaping this global future.
As Iranians, we have the right to be patriotic and to love our country, a sentiment shared by many foreigners who recognize the positive impact of our nation on humanity. We appreciate these expressions of kindness, and we value them.
The final point I want to make is that patriotism and nationalism require certain responsibilities that everyone must fulfill to the best of their ability. For me, the first step is to carry out duties that honor and uplift our nation. If my ability to fulfill these duties is limited, then it’s crucial to celebrate and support those who have the capability and are making a difference.
Given my limited capacity to fulfill the first duty, I have chosen to focus on honoring individuals like Dr. Shams-al-‘Ulama, Dr. Jamshed Modi, a remarkable example of high spirit and noble ambition among Iranians. I consider this task important and am joining with friends and admirers in their efforts to celebrate his legacy. By offering these few words as a humble tribute, I hope my appreciation will be received with kindness.
