Historical and Cultural Backgrounds of André Godard's Research Activities in Iran

Numerous foreign architects and researchers came to Iran from European countries in the first half of the contemporary century to carry out various activities. One of these figures was André Godard, whose cultural and research activities are of special importance in terms of variety and effectiveness. The present study hence aims to discuss the cultural and historical backgrounds that made it possible for André Godard to conduct different activities in Iran. The main objective of this study is to investigate the historical contexts and factors affecting André Godard’s activities in Iran. The research question is as follows: What historical and cultural phenomena made a distinction between André Godard’s cultural and research activities and those of other foreign architects in Iran in terms of breadth and diversity? The research theoretical foundation is based on the fact that the cultural and historical features of a country influence the activities of its architects and researchers in other counties. This was a qualitative historical study. The results showed that the frequency of historical and cultural studies on Iran with a positive attitude were higher in France compared to other European countries whose architects came to Iran during the Qajar and Pahlavi eras. In addition, the cultural policies of France in Iran were more effective than those of other foreign countries. On the other hand, no French military and political intervention in Iran as well as the optimistic views of Iranian intellectuals and politicians towards the French Revolution and liberalistic ideas there provided appropriate grounds for Godard's activities in Iran.