Cultural Diplomacy and the Representation of Jahan-Pahlevan Takhti in Iran’s International Sports Relations

Abstract

Cultural diplomacy is one of the most effective instruments for expanding soft power and enhancing the national image of countries in the international arena. Sport, as a global domain, possesses a unique capacity for conveying cultural and ethical messages of nations. In this context, Jahan-Pahlevan Gholamreza Takhti is not only a sports champion but also a cultural, moral, and human figure who occupies a unique place in Iran’s national and transnational collective memory. This study was conducted with the aim of analyzing the role of Takhti’s representation in Iran’s cultural diplomacy and examining how his ethical and populist legacy can be utilized in the country’s international sports relations. The research employed a qualitative methodology based on critical discourse analysis and cultural content analysis. Data were collected from official documents, the press, cinematic works, and expert interviews with specialists in the field of sports diplomacy. Findings indicate that Takhti has become an international symbol of sportsmanship ethics, humility, justice-seeking, and populism—qualities that can be reproduced within the framework of Iran’s cultural policy and soft diplomacy. The study concludes that Takhti, through his media and cultural representation, can play a pivotal role in strengthening Iran’s soft power and fostering cultural connections through sports.