Touraj Atabaki is a distinguished scholar whose work delves into the social history of the Middle East and Central Asia. His research illuminates the complex historical and cultural dynamics of these interconnected regions, offering profound insights into their development. Through his academic endeavors, Atabaki provides a vital lens for understanding the historical narratives that shape contemporary societies in these areas. His scholarship is characterized by meticulous research and a dedication to shedding light on often-overlooked historical perspectives.
The authors trace the emergence of Atatürk and Reza Shah through the constitutional revolutions in Iran and the Ottoman Empire, which led to the introduction of European social models, the establishment of dictatorship and of secularist reforms. This produced in both Turkey and Iran highly authoritarian, nationalist and quasi-westernised states, where the personality cult of the leader defined the politics of each country.