Paper Short Abstract:

I intend to illuminate the forgotten history of the first audio-visual ethnography in Iran, delving into the work of Dr. Nader Afshar Naderi, a trailblazer in the field of Anthropology. Additionally, I will focus on the challenges in accessing archives and the notable absence of archival materials.

Paper Abstract:

Afshar Naderi served as an Anthropology professor at the University of Tehran, specializing in nomads and development. He is credited with initiating modern anthropology, Differing from earlier anthropologists who predominantly focused on folklore and refrained from engaging in fieldwork.

A significant milestone in his career was the production of the first Iranian Ethnographic film, "Balut" (1966), based on a comprehensive research project. It provides a narrative of the Bahmaei tribe's life and underscores the pivotal role of Zagros oak trees in their existence. Furthermore, Naderi's pioneering approach and lasting impact on Visual Anthropology were unparalleled during his time. He endeavored to equip anthropology students with the tools to incorporate audio-visual materials into their fieldwork, guiding them in utilizing film and images to enhance their studies. This was particularly distinctive in an era predating digitalization when 16mm cameras were the norm.

Unfortunately, with the triumph of the Islamic Revolution in 1978, Naderi and many others were expelled from the university. A few months later, he passed away. After his death, the attention in the Iranian academy shifted away from visual anthropology, overlooking the valuable legacy he had created. There's a noticeable lack of archival information about him and his contributions. This absence reflects a disregard for highlighting his importance in the history of anthropology.