Historical series are powerful tools that not only reconstruct past events but also have the ability to influence the audience’s attitude towards historical figures and events by presenting specific interpretations intended by the producers. The historical series “Muawiyah,” which aired during Ramadan 1403-1404 AH (March 2025), sought to change or at least soften the audience’s perception of this controversial figure in Islamic history by offering a new portrayal of Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan. This research, aimed at examining the image of Muawiyah presented in the series, was conducted using content analysis of all episodes. The data were coded using Brown and Clark’s thematic analysis method, resulting in over 90 basic themes and 17 organizing themes grouped into three overarching themes: “Historical roots and legitimacy of Muawiyah,” “Muawiyah’s dominance over power challenges,” and “Reconstructing Muawiyah as a multidimensional and spiritual figure.” The findings indicate that the series, by downplaying negative historical aspects, such as the alleged act of eating the liver of an individual and highlighting positive aspects like Muawiyah being the scribe of revelation, aims to portray a favorable and acceptable image of Muawiyah and the Umayyads. This approach, utilizing framing theory, seeks to present a coherent and appealing narrative of Muawiyah’s character by selecting and emphasizing specific themes. The series “Muawiyah” has successfully crafted a balanced and positive image of him through framing, contradicting Shiite historical narratives and some Sunni sources.
Pourrashidi Alibigloo,H. (2024). The Portrayal of Muawiyah in a Historical Series: A Thematic Analysis of Reconstructing a Controversial Figure. Rahpooye Honar/Performing Arts, 4(14), 53-64. doi: 10.22034/rpa.2025.2057090.1133
MLA
Pourrashidi Alibigloo,H. . "The Portrayal of Muawiyah in a Historical Series: A Thematic Analysis of Reconstructing a Controversial Figure", Rahpooye Honar/Performing Arts, 4, 14, 2024, 53-64. doi: 10.22034/rpa.2025.2057090.1133
HARVARD
Pourrashidi Alibigloo H. (2024). 'The Portrayal of Muawiyah in a Historical Series: A Thematic Analysis of Reconstructing a Controversial Figure', Rahpooye Honar/Performing Arts, 4(14), pp. 53-64. doi: 10.22034/rpa.2025.2057090.1133
CHICAGO
H. Pourrashidi Alibigloo, "The Portrayal of Muawiyah in a Historical Series: A Thematic Analysis of Reconstructing a Controversial Figure," Rahpooye Honar/Performing Arts, 4 14 (2024): 53-64, doi: 10.22034/rpa.2025.2057090.1133
VANCOUVER
Pourrashidi Alibigloo H. The Portrayal of Muawiyah in a Historical Series: A Thematic Analysis of Reconstructing a Controversial Figure. Performing Arts, 2024; 4(14): 53-64. doi: 10.22034/rpa.2025.2057090.1133
