Holy Defense Studies

Abstract This study intends to understand how Generation Z understands the “Sacred Defense” (Iran-Iraq war) amid advances in culture in contemporary Iran. This generation is temporally distant from the war and has grown up in a digitally-connected, multi-voice context. The article shows how generation Z makes sense of the Sacred Defense in relation to their lived experiences. The study follows a qualitative approach and utilizes grounded theory with a Strauss and Corbin style. Data was gathered and analyzed in accordance with 22 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with young people from ages 18-30 in Tabriz. The results revealed the idea of the Sacred Defense is not treated as a given, historical reality for Generation Z, but rather a text that is subject to depart from its canon. In their encounter with the idea of the Sacred Defense, This generation engages in two strategies: 1. Accepting ethical, national, and revolutionary redefinition; and 2. Resisting through critical re-reading and alternative models. Ultimately, Generation Z's engagement with the Sacred Defense has three consequences: the dynamic redefinition of the Sacred Defense which can actively strengthen national discourse, the sometimes, simultaneous acceptance of criticism (being critical) and belonging to existing Sacred Defense narratives, and the potential disaggregation of the generational connection which can disrupt the transmission of values.

Abstract The Holly Defense is full of social movements and popular movements that, at different times and places, have determined a favorable outcome in the war for the Islamic Republic of Iran. Accordingly, we cannot look at the Iran-Iraq War solely from a historical-military perspective, but rather, we must examine its dimensions from a social perspective. The aim of the article is to analyze the role of social capital in the retake of the Meymak Heights by analyzing the Kharazm operation in a historical-social framework. The question can be raised as to what factor was effective in determining the outcome of the Kharazm operation and the recapture of the strategic Meymak heights by Iran? Considering the historical data related to the Kharazm operation, it can be said that in addition to the performance of military organizations and military forces, the role of social capital was decisive in creating the success and victory of the Iranians in capturing the Meymak heights. Therefore, the most important factor in determining the desired outcome for the Iranians is the connection between military forces and social factors, such as social capital, in the Kharazm operation.

Abstract Abstract:

This study offers a comparative analysis of Iranian women's lived experiences during two significant periods of national resistance: the eight-year Iran–Iraq war (1980–1988) and the recent 12-day Iran–Israel conflict (2024). The central research question explores how women's roles, actions, and narrative strategies have transformed over the past four decades and what implications these changes carry for resistance discourse and collective memory. Employing a qualitative methodology grounded in content analysis of oral testimonies, media artifacts, and experiential narratives, the research reveals a distinct evolution in women’s forms of engagement. During the first war, women's participation was largely embodied in logistical support, nursing, caregiving, and moral reinforcement of combatants. In contrast, the 12-day conflict witnessed a shift toward active engagement in digital resistance: women created and disseminated narratives through social media, countered hostile propaganda, and mobilized networks of solidarity and resilience within the virtual sphere. The findings suggest that, despite differing forms and tools of expression, women's narratives in both contexts have significantly contributed to sustaining the discourse of resistance, transmitting cultural and spiritual values, and shaping the identity of the Iranian Muslim woman. These narratives not only offer a gendered retelling of wartime history but also serve as potent instruments in soft resistance and cultural diplomacy.

Abstract Following the aggressive Israeli attacks on Iran in June 2025, and the subsequent necessity to evacuate certain residential areas and the displacement of some compatriots from their cities of residence, Jabama, through a responsible newsjacking initiative, announced on its social media pages that, given the current conditions, and with the cooperation of Jabama's compassionate hosts, it had arranged for free, installment-based, and specially discounted emergency accommodation in various cities across Iran. The present research aims to analyze social media users' opinions regarding this content and Jabama brand's social responsibility. This is an applied, qualitative research conducted using content analysis. The statistical population included all social media users' comments on this content, from which comments posted on Jabama's Instagram page were selected. Data collection tools included systematic note-taking from the content, and the analysis process was carried out using open, axial, and selective coding. The findings were categorized into three general sections: The first category included codes related to the users' redefinition of the brand, i.e., codes that referred to the brand's characteristics from the perspective of users and audiences who encountered Jabama's content. The second category consisted of codes considered as the brand's emotional and relational capital. The third category comprised codes that symbolically reflected the national brand of Iran.

Abstract The research aims to investigate the mobilization of national resources during the Holy Defense era, based on the theoretical framework of the resource-based paradigm, the theory of dynamic capabilities, and the components of the theory of resource mobilization. The empirical background of the research was analyzed with a focus on this historical period. A mixed research method (qualitative-quantitative) was used: 1. Qualitative phase: Interviews with 8 veterans of the Holy Defense field to identify resources, capabilities, and effective factors in resource mobilization. 2. Quantitative phase: Distribution of questionnaires among 13 people and ranking of variables using the Friedman test. In both phases, purposive sampling was carried out.

Research findings: 1- Identification of components in the qualitative phase: Resources: 5 types (human, moral, socio-cultural, material, organizational.) Capabilities: 5 types (human, managerial, organizational, economic, technological.) Effective factors: 15 factors (Imam Khomeini's role, people, media, women, institutions, etc.). 2- Ranking of components in the quantitative phase: Resources by priority): 1. Human 2. Moral 3. Social-cultural 4. Material 5. Organizational) Capabilities (1. Human 2. Managerial 3. Organizational 4. Economic 5. Technological) Mobilizing factors) Imam Khomeini (first rank), people, radio and television, women, revolutionary committees, medical staff, tribes, thrift culture, clergy, transportation, equipment modernization, ethnicities, students and newspapers. The results of the research show that resource mobilization during the Holy Defense era was based on the triangle of resources, capabilities and command adequacy. These three elements, in harmony, enabled the optimal utilization of limited resources and the transformation of threats into opportunities.

Abstract Research Summary in 245 Words:



**Introduction and Objectives:** This research examines the dimensions of participation, motivations, and effects of the presence of tribes and tribes of Ilam province in the Sacred Defense and the reflection of this participation in their social and cultural structure.



**Method:** It was conducted with a qualitative approach and case study method. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with warriors, veterans, families of martyrs, and informed individuals, as well as reviewing related documents (memoirs, biographies, reports), and analyzed through content analysis.



**Findings:** The tribes and tribes of Ilam had an active and extensive participation. Their motivations went beyond national duty, including religious fanaticism, ethnic-tribal zeal, defense of land and honor, and a sense of solidarity with the Iranian nation. Effective presence in the form of tribal groups and battalions, familiarity with the geography of the region, and use of social structure and tribal relations for support were among the prominent features of their participation. The Sacred Defense had profound effects on these societies, including strengthening the sense of national identity,



Conclusion: The participation of the tribes and tribes of Ilam was a manifestation of the deep connection between ethnic-tribal identities and national identity in the face of external threats. This participation was rooted in religious and traditional values, and played a vital role in preserving territorial integrity and winning the war. The research shows the need to pay attention to the unique capacities of these groups in strengthening national unity and confronting challenges.