Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehrdad Arabestani | Social Sciences | Breakthrough Research Award
University of Tehran | Iran
Dr. Mehrdad Arabestani is an Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Tehran and also serves as an Adjunct Faculty at the Institute for Cultural, Social, and Civilization Studies. Over the course of his distinguished academic career, he has established himself as one of the leading voices in cultural anthropology and ethnographic studies in Iran. His research extends across identity, intersubjectivity, religion, ritual practices, and the anthropology of migration, providing deep insights into both Iranian society and wider global cultural dynamics. Through his extensive teaching, prolific publications, and international collaborations, Dr. Mehrdad Arabestani has continually shaped anthropological discourse and has become an influential figure in both regional and international scholarship.
Professional Profile
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Education
Dr. Mehrdad Arabestani pursued his academic journey through a combination of interdisciplinary training that bridges the social sciences and the health sciences. He began with a foundation in the biological sciences, later advancing his studies to explore the complex dynamics of culture, identity, and society. His graduate research developed critical expertise in anthropology, particularly in examining how symbolic systems, rituals, and intersubjective practices shape human experience. His doctoral research was conducted with a strong focus on ethnography, giving him direct exposure to diverse cultural contexts and cementing his reputation as an innovative researcher who integrates theoretical and field-based insights.
Experience
Throughout his academic career, Dr. Mehrdad Arabestani has served as a faculty member in anthropology, engaging in teaching, mentoring, and supervising a wide range of students and research projects. His role at the University of Tehran has been pivotal in shaping future anthropologists, while his adjunct appointment at the Institute for Cultural, Social, and Civilization Studies has allowed him to contribute to interdisciplinary research initiatives. Beyond Iran, he has been invited as a guest lecturer and presenter at renowned universities and conferences across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. His professional experience is not confined to academia; he has also participated in national-level cultural studies programs, contributed to encyclopedic knowledge systems, and collaborated in cross-cultural research projects that emphasize both theory and applied anthropology.
Research Interests
Dr. Mehrdad Arabestani’s research interests encompass a wide spectrum within cultural anthropology, including identity formation, ritual and religious practices, symbolic anthropology, and the lived experiences of minority groups. He has conducted extensive ethnographic studies among the Mandaeans and indigenous communities, as well as research into intersubjectivity, cultural precarity, and the anthropology of desire. His scholarship also addresses the intersections of migration, cultural change, and social integration, with an emphasis on how symbolic systems influence community resilience and transformation. By critically engaging with major anthropological theories while advancing original perspectives, his work continues to shape both academic debates and policy-relevant understandings of cultural life.
Awards
Dr. Mehrdad Arabestani has been recognized for his contributions to advancing the field of anthropology in Iran and beyond. His works are frequently cited in both Persian and international academic forums, and he has authored books, encyclopedia entries, and translated foundational texts that have broadened the accessibility of anthropological knowledge. His role as a translator and editor of seminal works in anthropology has positioned him as a mediator between global scholarship and local intellectual traditions. Through his scholarship, teaching, and engagement with diverse audiences, he has built a reputation as an intellectual leader committed to innovation, interdisciplinarity, and the promotion of cultural understanding.
Publications
Dr. Mehrdad Arabestani has published widely in leading international and national journals, books, and encyclopedias, addressing themes of cultural identity, ritual, religion, and intersubjectivity. His works are frequently cited and recognized as significant contributions to contemporary anthropology.
1. Title: Ritual purity and the Mandaeans’ identity
Journal: Iran and the Caucasus
Published on: 2012
Citation: 22
2. Title: The Semai’s response to missionary work: From resistance to compliance
Journal: Anthropological Notebooks
Published on: 2011
Citation: 20
3. Title: The Mandaeans’ Religious System: From Mythos to Logos
Journal: Iran and the Caucasus
Published on: 2016
Citation: 17
4. Title: The Mandaean Identity Challenge
Journal: In Crises and (Edited by Elizabeth Morrell & Michael D. Barr)
Published on: 2010
Citation: 8
5. Title: Cosmology, identity and food related rituals among the Mandaeans
Journal: Archives de sciences socials des religions
Published on: 2020
Citation: 4
6. Title: The fatherless society: Discourse of the hysteric in Iran
Journal: Psychoanalysis, Culture & Society
Published on: 2019
Citation: 3
7. Title: Changing world of the Mandaeans
Journal: Iranian Journal of Anthropological Research
Published on: 2019
Citation: 3
Conclusion
Dr. Mehrdad Arabestani’s career reflects a rare combination of academic rigor, interdisciplinary vision, and a commitment to advancing cultural anthropology both in Iran and globally. His work has opened critical spaces for dialogue on identity, ritual, and intersubjectivity while simultaneously addressing pressing social issues such as migration, cultural transitions, and minority rights. By bridging theory and practice, as well as global and local perspectives, he has consistently contributed to reshaping the landscape of anthropological inquiry. His scholarly excellence, extensive publications, and international influence make him a highly deserving candidate for the Breakthrough Research Award, which recognizes individuals who have made transformative contributions to their fields.
