Localization of Opening and Closing Ceremonies in Sports Events: From Historical Traditions to Modern Perspectives in Iran

Document Type : Research Paper I Open Access I Released under (CC BY-NC 4.0) license

Authors

1 Department of Physical Education, Lorestan University, Khorramabad,, Iran

2 Department of Physical Education and Sport, Institute of Health Science, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Türkiye

Abstract

The historical and cultural identity of Iran is considered one of the richest cultural resources in the world. This profound identity has always been intertwined with sports and artistic events, providing opportunities to showcase and strengthen national identity through opening and closing ceremonies, particularly in sports events. This study aims to examine the role of localization in opening and closing ceremonies of sports events in Iran. The focus of this research is on elucidating how historical, cultural, and artistic elements of Iran can be utilized in these ceremonies to enhance national identity and display the country’s cultural diversity. The present study was conducted using a qualitative approach and phenomenological method. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 experts in the fields of culture, sports, and national identity. Purposeful sampling was employed, considering the experience and expertise of participants in organizing sports and cultural events. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that the localization of these ceremonies, through emphasizing national symbols, showcasing the diversity of ethnicities and cultures, and recreating historical narratives, contributes to strengthening social cohesion and national identity. Additionally, the use of sustainable resources and active community participation plays a significant role in preserving cultural heritage and enhancing social solidarity. The localization of sports ceremonies can serve as an effective tool for showcasing Iran’s history and culture on a global scale.

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This is an open access article distributed under the following Creative Commons license: Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

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Volume 1, Issue 1 - Serial Number 1
Spring & Summer
March 2024
Pages 199-216
  • Receive Date: 15 January 2024
  • Revise Date: 31 January 2024
  • Accept Date: 03 February 2024
  • Publish Date: 20 March 2024