Multiculturalism and Its Theories

Multiculturalism

• Aims to protect cultural diversity in societies
• Implies an unequal relationship between minority and dominant cultures
• Examples include:
  • Immigrants, like Muslims in Western Europe
  • National minorities, like the Welsh or Quebecians
  • Indigenous peoples, like the Maori in New Zealand

Alternative Models to Multiculturalism

• Assimilation: Minority groups adopt the dominant culture's customs and values
• Apartheid: Segregation and discrimination based on race or ethnicity
• Isolation: Groups remain separate and distinct from one another

Theories of Multiculturalism

• Chandran Kukathas: Links various forms of multiculturalism to the theory of liberalism
• Charles Taylor: Advocates for "recognition policy" that values holistic collective cultural values
• Will Kymlicka: Argues that minorities require special provisions to preserve their cultures

Historical Development of Multiculturalism

• Originated in Canada.
• The term "multiculturalism" first appeared in literature.
• Defined in the Harper Collins Sociological Dictionary.
• The "Kitabi-Dada Gorgud" is a significant example:
  • Great Leader Haydar Aliyev signed a decree on the "1300th anniversary" of the "Kitabi-Dada Gorgud".
  • The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan issued an order celebrating the 200th anniversary of the first translation of "Kitabi-Dada Gorgud" in German.

Authors and Books on Multiculturalism

• "The Clash of Civilization and the Reconstruction of the World Order": Samuel Huntington (explores cultural clashes)
• "Three Cultures": Ahmad Agaoglu (examines cultural differences)
• “Answer to the English Doctor Yum”: Mirza Fatali Axundzade (addresses cultural exchange)

Mazdakizm

• A powerful anti-feudal movement with religious elements
• Focused on the idea of helping "light" overcome "darkness" and promoting tolerance
• Emphasized the importance of equal sharing of resources

Idol Worship

• Mahmud Shabustari: Explains that understanding idols reveals their connection to the worship of Truth
• Shams Tabrizi: Highlights that following the Prophet's path does not mean imitating every action
• Fazlullah Naomi: Predicts a future where language differences disappear due to the removal of religious divisions

Approaches to Multiculturalism in Research

• The Liberal Egalitarian: Focuses on individual rights and equality

• The Communitarian: Emphasizes the importance of cultural identity and shared values

• The Cultural-Civilizational: Analyzes cultural differences between nations and civilizations

  Nasreddin Tusi

• Promoted humanity as the highest criterion of personality

• Opposed conflicts based on nationality or religion

• Advocated for a single religion to end conflicts

Secularism and Nationalism

• Mirza Fatali Akhundov: Advocated for separating religion from politics, introducing the concept of secularism.
• Ahmed Agaoglu: Stressed the importance of nationalism in the lives of peoples.
• Nizami Ganjave: Describes a utopian society for the first time.

"Kitabi-Dada Gorgud"

• The first copy discovered in the Dresden library in Germany.
• More epics were translated and published by the Nizami Institute of Literature and Language.
• A second copy found in the Vatican library, published by Italian scientist Ettope Rossi.
• The "1300th anniversary" of the "Kitabi-Dada Gorgud" was marked by a decree from Great Leader Heydar Aliyev.
• The 200th anniversary of the first translation of "Kitabi-Dada Gorgud" into German was celebrated.

Manichaeism

• Represents a dualistic worldview with Good (Light) and Evil (Darkness) at its core
• Pessimistic view of Good's ultimate victory
• Mani, the founder, initiated missionary work in Hamadan.

Branches of Christianity

• Catholicism: The largest Christian denomination by membership.
• Orthodoxy: Adheres to the teachings of Church Fathers from the II-VIII centuries.
• Protestantism: Emerged with Martin Luther's "95 Theses" in Wittenberg, Germany, in 1517.

Buddha's Doctrine

• Emphasizes interdependence as a key element of the path to enlightenment.
• Follows the Noble Path of Salvation, an eight-step process.
• Based on the Four Truths and their interconnectedness.