Representing Iran in East Germany

Economic and political relations with Iran were a primary concern for the German Democratic Republic leadership and dominated the GDR's press. This is the first book to analyse the representation of Iran in the media, from the GDRs formation in 1949 until 1989, the last complete year before its demise. Covering key events, such as the overthrow of the Mossadegh government in 1953, the White Revolution, the Islamic Revolution of 1979, and the Iran-Iraq war, the author reveals that only in periods where the two countries enjoyed less amicable or poor relations, was the press free to critically report events in Iran and openly support the cause of the countrys communist party, the Tudeh. The book explores the use of the press as a tool for ideological education and propaganda. It also examines how the states official Marxist-Leninist ideology, the GDRs international competition with West Germany, and cultural prejudices and stereotypes impacted reporting so powerfully.