Although prose fiction was introduced in Iran and Central Asia in the 1920's, its background and development stand in contrast. A settled people, Iranians are subjected to Westernization while the Central Asians, originally nomadic, are forced to settle and be Sovietized. Similarly, the shared Islamic heritage of the region is strained by outside influence. In Iran, Islamic culture takes second place to nationalism while, in Central Asia, atheism displaces Islam. These clashes inspire Iranian and Soviet authors to contribute insightful accounts of their peoples' struggles.
Some authors use symbolism while others prefer the direct approach of realist fiction.
To Have and to Lose, Piebald Dog Running Along the Shore. This course focuses on the cultural identity, ethnicity, and ideology of Iran and of the emerging nations of Central Asia after the fall of the Soviet Union. Historically, the course deals with the rise and fall of the Iranian and Turkish dynasties of the region from the 6th century to the present time. In this context, the rise and fall of the Western Turks, the Samanids, the Mongols, and the Manghits of Bukhara are examined. Ideologically, the course examines the development of Zoroastrian, Islamic, and Socialist thought in the region emphasizing the impact of the civilization of conquered peoples upon the thought and lifestyle of their victors.