Global and Local in the Representation of the Iranian Religious and Political Doctrine: The Shia Hyperobject and the Designed Chronotope

E. A. Krykov; E. M. Seitov

Global and Local in the Representation of the Iranian Religious and Political Doctrine: The Shia Hyperobject and the Designed Chronotope

E. A. Krykov, E. M. Seitov

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Abstract

The article explores the mechanisms of political construction in Shiism that the Islamic Republic of Iran uses within mass religious gatherings and local ritual practices to broadcast geopolitical influence, consolidate authority, and disseminate its religious and political vision. Based on field materials from 2024–2025, two cases are analyzed: the Alam aparan practice in Derbent and the Arbaeen pilgrimage in Karbala. The article explores the relationship between material elements and narratives of power legitimization. Through the concepts of Morton’s hyperobject and Bakhtin’s chronotope, the authors explore how the Iranian authorities enter the time and space of the “uncatchable” Karbala, projected “externally” including onto the Russian Shiites of Derbent. In Karbala, a macrostrategy of material and ideological support has been identified, strengthening regional soft power; in Derbent, we find a microstrategy of local adaptation and a symbolism transforming agency. The article explores visual-textual communication channels and the mutual activity of people and non-people in sacred space as key elements of a hybrid legitimization system.

Keywords

Iran, political Shiism, Arbaeen, alam aparan, chronotope, material religion, Derbent

About the Authors

E. A. Krykov

Russian Academy of Sciences N. N. Miklouho-Maklay Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology
Russian Federation

Egor A. Krykov — Graduate Student

Moscow

E. M. Seitov

Erik M. Seitov — Independent Researcher, Social Anthropologist

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Review

For citations:

Krykov E.A., Seitov E.M. Global and Local in the Representation of the Iranian Religious and Political Doctrine: The Shia Hyperobject and the Designed Chronotope. State, Religion and Church in Russia and Worldwide. 2026;44(2):188-221. (In Russ.)

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