Conservatism, Identity and the Struggle for Autonomy in Ali and Nino: A Framework for Understanding Cultural Authoritarianism in Pakistan

Abstract

This study comparatively investigates the connections of cultural conservatism, identity and autonomy as presented in Kurban Said’s Ali and Nino. Set in early 20^th-century Azerbaijan, addressed novel presents the romance between Ali, a Muslim Azerbaijani and Nino, a Christian Georgian, amidst the geopolitical upheaval and cultural tension of the Caucasus region. The story explains against the backdrop of European influence and Oriental customs, capturing the complex dynamics of identity, loyalty and tradition. This study examines how these themes resonate within the Pakistani context, where cultural conservatism and authoritarian structures often constrain social interactions and personal autonomy. By focusing on the dilemmas Ali faces in reconciling his Asiatic identity with European modernity, this paper aims to explore the tensions between cultural loyalty and the desire for individual freedom in Pakistan, particularly among young people confronting similar socio-cultural expectations. Through a comparative lens, this study raises key questions: To what extent can cultural conservatism coexist with modernity in multi-religious societies? How does cultural authoritarianism impact personal identity and autonomy? Drawing on theories of conservatism, authoritarianism and cross-cultural interaction, this analysis sheds light on the symbolic and pragmatic lessons Ali and Nino offers to modern-day Pakistan, suggesting that reconciling tradition with openness may provide avenues for promoting mutual respect and cultural understanding in increasingly globalized, yet culturally complex, societies.