Was Shah 'Abbas a godlike ruler who radically changed the course of Iranian history, or someone who could never have been held responsible for the developments that took place after his reign? Both positions are considered in a debate at the British Museum that came at a uniquely significant time for a discussion about Iran: the year of the 30th anniversary of the formation of the Islamic Republic, and mere weeks before the Iranian presidential elections on 12 June.
Participating in this edited version of the debate, Empire of the mind and soul: What does modern Iran owe to Shah 'Abbas?, are Neil MacGregor, director of the British Museum; Charles Melville, professor of Persian history at the University of Cambridge; Azadeh Moaveni, writer and journalist; Dr Ata'ollah Mohajerani, the former Iranian minister for culture and Islamic guidance; and Dr Elaheh Rostami-Povey, lecturer in development studies at the University of London.
