The Impact of Translation on the Culture and National Identity of Iranian Turks in Iran

Abstract

With the emergence of postcolonial theories in Translation Studies in 1990s, translation became a tool for both colonization and decolonization. Previously, translation was considered as a marginal act and copy of the original. However, postcolonial theories indicated that translation is a political act for revitalization and preservation of culture and identity, especially minority identities. After the victory of Islamic Revolution, translation into (Iran) Turkish language began, the number of which is growing every year. In order to investigate the impact of translation on the culture and national identity of Iranian Turks, the data related to the number of books translated into (Iran) Turkish language were collected. The results indicated that translation has had a significant role in preserving Turkish identity in Iran and resisting against cultural assimilation.