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History in the Making

Document Type

Article

Abstract

This paper delves into the intricacies of the Danish Cartoon Controversy, sparked by the publication of twelve cartoons depicting the Islamic Prophet Muhammad in a Danish newspaper, Jyllands-Posten in 2005. The controversy ignited a global debate on the boundaries of freedom of expression, particularly when it clashes with religious sensitivities. While the Western perspective often champions unlimited freedom of expression, this study seeks to scrutinize the sincerity of such claims. The paper begins by contextualizing the controversy, examining the historical background of cartoons and satire in Iran and the evolving relations between Denmark and Iran up to 2005. It analyzes the factors within Denmark that led to the publication of the controversial cartoons, highlighting the intersection of politics, culture, and assimilation efforts. Crucially, the study dissects the responses to the cartoons, both globally within the Muslim community and specifically from Iran. Despite Denmark’s relatively minor diplomatic significance to Iran, the Iranian response was notably severe, indicating deeper social, cultural, and political motivations. The analysis extends to the aftermath, exploring the long-term impact on Danish-Iranian relations up to 2017.This research fills a scholarly void by providing a comprehensive examination of the Danish-Iranian dynamic in the context of the cartoon controversy. It underscores the collision of cultures with divergent values and beliefs and emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting cultural differences in an increasingly interconnected world.

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