Imagology in Abdollah Mostowfi’s Journey to Russia

Imagology or representation of the “other” provides the opportunity for the nations to see their face in the mirror of the “other”. Through imagology, the conversations begin, and identification of the “other” leads to recognition of “self”. Alterity and the necessity of recognizing “other” are significant keys in self-awareness. Examining several layers of travelogues represents a way to discover the underlying meaning of the text, with regard to the imagological keywords such as I, the other, classified view, judgment, and stereotypical thinking. These layers are read in four stages in Sharh-e Zendegani-ye Man by Abdollah Mostowfi (1878-1950), in which he explains his journey to Russia. The first layer is read, regarding the difference between “I” and the “other”, and the influence of the “others” on the author’s life. In the second layer, the classified view of “I” (Mostowfi) upon “other” is studied. The third layer refers to Mostowfi’s consideration of the reality of Russia and the effect of his stereotypes and mental concepts thereon. The fourth layer includes his linguistic structure and descriptions. Ultimately, Mostowfi’s journey to Russia is affected by his view and mentality, and it is not an account of the absolute and certain reality. By clarifying his way of thinking and living, his time, and the political and cultural relations between Iran and Russia at that period, along with his presuppositions and mental concepts, we can grasp a relative understanding of Mostowfi’s picture of Russia.