Academic Journals
Persian Literary Studies: Publications focusing on the analysis, critique, and exploration of Persian literature from classical to modern periods.
Iranian Studies: Covers a wide range of topics about Iranian culture, history, politics, and society.
Journal of Persian Language and Linguistics: Focuses on the structure, development, and evolution of the Persian language.
Journal of Persian Culture and Civilization: Interdisciplinary journal covering Persian cultural practices, art, and heritage.
Persian Historiography Journal: Focuses on historical studies written in Persian and their development over time.
This beautiful tekuk is a relic from the Achaemenid era of Iran and is made of agate. A tekuk, cup, or rhyton were vessels that were made in the shape of animals.
Where do you think this beautiful work was obtained?
This tekuk was discovered in 1347 AH in the tomb of a king of the Tang Dynasty in China.
The story of this tekuk is very interesting. Three centuries after the Sassanids, it was accidentally found. Then it was taken to China by Iranian merchants (or perhaps Chinese merchants who had come to Iran).
In China, this tekuk was given as a gift to the king of the Tang Dynasty. After the king's death, this precious work was also buried with him until about 55 years ago, when it was discovered during archaeological excavations in the tomb of the king of the Tang Dynasty.
Wherever we look in the world, we see the radiance of Iranian culture and history.
Evidence of Sasanian art in the eastern provinces and its influences on Chinese art
Pearl is one of the most frequent decorative elements and one of the symbols of the Fareh-Izadi spirit in Sassanid art. The expansion of all-round communication during this period led to the transfer of cultural concepts and themes of Sassanid art to other lands. The study of aspects of the influence of Sassanid culture and its popularity in China along the land route of the Silk Road is one of the main objectives of this research, and in the following, answers to important questions such as: By studying pearl motifs, what aspects of the influence of the artistic and religious thought of the Sassanid court on Chinese civilization can be examined? Was the use of pearl motifs in Chinese artworks conscious or is it a mere imitation in compliance with Sassanid court art? The geographical area under discussion, for the purpose of comparing the works, includes the eastern provinces of the Sassanid Empire and then in China. The nature of the present research is fundamental and its approach is descriptive, analytical-comparative and its collection method is library. The pearl decorative elements used in Buddhist temples, Sogdian tombs, or Manichaean sources are not simply imitations of the Sasanian aesthetic concept; rather, they are a conscious choice of its original concept and then the application of this art in a new religious and cultural context. It seems that the main factor in introducing Sasanian culture to neighboring nations was trade along the Silk Road, in contrast to the presence of numerous ambassadors and the sending of various gifts from the Sasanians to the Chinese court.
Charity and its dimensions in Zoroastrianism
One of the important concepts in Zoroastrianism is charity, which has significant teachings on it and has received special attention. Charity has a wide scope and dimensions, and understanding its examples, limits, and mechanisms can further clarify its individual, social, spiritual, and cultural functions. Considering the impact of charity on the psyche and life of individuals and society, explaining this concept and understanding its dimensions can clarify the perception and perspective of society and individuals towards it. The purpose of this article is to examine charity and its dimensions in Zoroastrianism, emphasizing Pahlavi texts that were organized and codified in the Sassanid period or the early Islamic centuries. Considering the time when these texts were written, we can become somewhat familiar with the definitions and activities of people, religious institutions, and the government apparatus in this field, which required interaction between them in this regard. Studies show that the interests of the individual and family, society and religious community have been considered in the discussion of charity. Among the important concepts in the Zoroastrian religion is charity, which has significant teachings on it and special attention has been paid to it. Charity has a wide scope and dimensions, and understanding its examples, limits and mechanisms can further clarify its individual, social, spiritual and cultural functions. Considering the impact of charity on the psyche and life of the individual and society, explaining this concept and understanding its dimensions can clarify the perception and perspective of society and individuals towards it.
Books & Monographs
Persian Poetry: Collections or scholarly works analyzing classical and modern Persian poetry (e.g., works of Hafez, Rumi, or modern poets)
Persian Philosophy: Books that explore the development of philosophical thought in the Persian-speaking world, from ancient to contemporary philosophers.
Persian History: Monographs detailing significant periods or events in Iranian history, such as the Safavid, Qajar, or Pahlavi periods.
Iranian Religious Studies: Books focusing on Persian religious texts, Zoroastrianism traditions in Iran, and other religious influences in the region.
Persian Art and Architecture: Academic works that explore the development of Persian art, architecture, and design throughout history.
Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám is the title that Edward FitzGerald gave to his 1859 translation from Persian to English of a selection of quatrains (rubāʿiyāt) attributed to Omar Khayyam (1048–1131), dubbed "the Astronomer-Poet of Persia".
Although commercially unsuccessful at first, FitzGerald's work was popularised from 1861 onward by Whitley Stokes, and the work came to be greatly admired by the Pre-Raphaelites in England. FitzGerald had a third edition printed in 1872, which increased interest in the work in the United States. By the 1880s, the book was extremely popular throughout the English-speaking world, to the extent that numerous "Omar Khayyam clubs" were formed and there was a "fin de siècle cult of the Rubaiyat".
FitzGerald's work has been published in several hundred editions and has inspired similar translation efforts in English, Hindi and in many other languages.
Every human being who has reached a level of self-awareness that is concerned with understanding and explaining his social environment correctly, and who desires political activism and a correct and true impact on his individual and social destiny, is undoubtedly always faced with the question of how to understand the realities of life, society, and the political sphere as they are, as much as possible? How can one rely on and trust one's own knowledge of social and political realities? What can one do regarding the realities of the world, one's life, and one's own society? And by what criteria can one achieve correct and true social or political action and be confident in the authenticity and legitimacy of one's political action? Especially, in a time when nihilism, i.e. the death of foundations, the death of ends, the baselessness of values and the collapse of moral systems, is its most important metaphysical component, and due to the expansion and dominance of extreme individualism and the atomization of humans, we are faced with the phenomenon of the death of the political, i.e. the weakening of the individual's sense of belonging to the collective destiny. The book "In Search of the Foundation for the Political" by Bijan Abdul Karimi, a researcher and professor of philosophy, is one of the best texts written in order to answer these questions in the contemporary era. Thinking about what foundation political and social action can be based on in the era of the death of meaning and in the era of the collapse of all theological, ontological and ideological systems has been one of the most important motivations for this writing. This book has attempted to make the age-old question of the relationship between thought and action and the concept of Greek phronesis, especially in the Aristotelian conception, a starting point for a fundamental search for the political in the current Nietzschean and nihilistic world. It can perhaps be said that the lack of phronesis is one of the most important issues in the present time, both globally and locally. The study of this book, due to its important and valuable content, as well as its semantic coherence and fluent prose, can provide its readers with useful knowledge for finding the basis for political and social action.
Philosophy, University, Politics takes the reader to the peak of the most challenging and controversial periods of Martin Heidegger’s life, namely the political experience of accepting the presidency of the University of Freiburg during the Nazi era.
This book is a serious investigation into the tense and risky relationship between thought and power; a relationship in which politics divorced from thought leads to ruin and philosophy divorced from its time turns into soulless dogmas.
The book’s approach, which is the result of Bijan Abdolkarimi’s intelligent choice, instead of providing an external analysis, confronts the reader directly with Heidegger’s own original texts so that he can confront his defenses, justifications, and reflections on this period without mediation.
This intellectual discussion begins with the university president’s famous speech entitled “The Self-Portrait of the German University”; A text in which Heidegger expresses his view of the role and mission of the university at that fateful historical moment. The book then takes us decades later to his thought-provoking interview with Der Spiegel magazine entitled “Only God Can Save Us,” where the philosopher rereads this complex experience from a distance.
The book also includes Heidegger’s own narrative, a text he wrote in 1945 entitled “The University Presidency: Facts and Ideas” to explain and explain the events of that period. To complete this multifaceted picture, an analytical article by Bijan Abdolkarimi is appended, explaining and expanding Heidegger’s discourse.
The book provides a critical perspective to the audience by examining topics such as the place of thought as a guide to society, the need for balance, and the critique of unfounded liberal freedom. This book provokes reflection on the responsibility of intellectuals, the complexities of decision-making at historical junctures, and the effort to establish a correct connection between the realm of thought and political and social life.
Magazines & Periodicals
Persian Heritage: A magazine that covers the broader cultural and historical heritage of Iran, including traditions, customs, and Persian arts.
Iranian Literary Review: A periodical focusing on the works of Persian authors, poets, and playwrights from ancient times to contemporary works.
Cultural Iran: A general-interest magazine about Persian culture, offering insights into food, festivals, music, and other aspects of daily life.
Modern Persian Studies: Covers the intersection of contemporary Persian literature, social movements, and political studies in Iran.
Iranian Journal of the Arts: A magazine focusing on Persian visual arts, cinema, and performance.
Iran Studies is a scientific-research journal affiliated with the Faculty of Literature and Humanities of the University of Tehran, which aims to expand and advance knowledge in the fields of Iranian history, culture, language, literature, and civilization. This quarterly journal publishes a maximum of four issues annually and provides a platform for publishing original and innovative research in various fields of Iran Studies. The articles in this journal analyze and examine various aspects of “Cultural Iran” such as history and archaeology, Persian literature and linguistics, ancient languages, philosophy, mysticism, religion, art, anthropology, folklore, subcultures, handicrafts, and local customs and traditions. This quarterly journal was published during a period under the supervision of the late Dr. Mozaffar Bakhtiar and the management of the late Dr. Iraj Afshar, and with the support of a group of prominent domestic and international professors. Among the internal members, we can mention Dr. Haeri, Dr. Zaryab Khoei, Dr. Sotoudeh, Dr. Shahidi, Dr. Navabi, Dr. Farmanfarmaian, Dr. Mohaghegh, Dr. Minovi, and Dr. Negahban. Also, the participation of external members such as Dr. Nasr, Dr. Roimer, Dr. Erzi, Dr. Scarchia, Dr. Boyle, Dr. Sivari, and others was effective in enriching it. Subsequently, by the decision of the officials of the faculty and University of Tehran publications and in order to improve the quality and specialization of publications, the Faculty of Literature Journal was separated into several specialized journals. One of these journals is the Quarterly Journal of Iranological Studies, which continues to independently carry out its mission. In accordance with the letter No. 100159 dated 15/06/1391 of the Scientific Publications Commission of the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology, this journal has a scientific-research rank. The Quarterly Journal of Iranological Studies seeks to familiarize the scientific community with the latest research achievements in the field of Iranological Studies; to help preserve and recognize Iran's cultural heritage; Providing a specialized platform for researchers to exchange views; this journal, relying on its rich scientific and historical background, always welcomes credible and original research articles in fields related to Iranology.
Translation & Anthologies
Persian Poetry Translations: A series of books featuring English (or other languages) translations of classical and contemporary Persian poets.
Anthology of Iranian Fiction: Collections of short stories or novels from Iranian authors, translated into multiple languages.
Persian Literature in Translation: A journal or series dedicated to translating and publishing Persian literary works into other languages.
The book "The Finder of the Verses of the Shahnameh of Florence, Based on the Correction and Eight-Volume Report of the Late Dr. Azizollah Juveini and a Photocopy of its Handwritten Copy," was published by the University of Tehran Publishing Institute through the efforts of Ali Ashayeri, a PhD student in Persian Language and Literature at the University of Tehran.
The "Iranian Thought" series is an interdisciplinary and international research project, compiled in 11 independent volumes, examining the history of Iran from ancient Iran to the Safavid period. In this series, "Iran" is studied not only as a political entity, but also as a historical, cultural, and civilizational idea.
The 11-volume "Iranian Thought" series is published by I.B. Tauris (a Bloomsbury subsidiary) and is recognized internationally as one of the leading projects in contemporary Iranology.
According to the Iranian Artists' House News Office, the first volume of this collection is dedicated to Nowruz rituals in Iran in 240 pages. In addition to examining the classic Nowruz, including Haji Firuz, Chaharshanbeh Souri, Eid shopping and Sizde Bedar, this volume also documents the indigenous rituals of the six provinces of Mazandaran, Tehran, Gilan, Kerman, Kurdistan and Hormozgan. The Nowruz ritual among Zoroastrians in the cities of Yazd, Kerman and Tehran has also been thoroughly examined.
The second volume of this book deals with the Nowruz rituals in 9 countries in the Nowruz cultural area where this celebration has been registered worldwide, including Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, India, Azerbaijan, Iraq and China (with a focus on the Uyghurs).
The author of this work has been present in different regions every year during Nowruz and has collected these works during the years of research.
Textbooks & Educational Materials
Introduction to Persian Language: Textbooks for learners of Persian, ranging from beginner to advanced levels.
Persian Grammar & Syntax: Scholarly books detailing the rules and structures of the Persian language.
Persian Calligraphy: Guides and textbooks on the art and techniques of Persian script and calligraphy.
Persian Folklore and Mythology: Educational materials about Iranian folklore, myths, and legends.
From Median to Achaemenian Palace Architecture
Author(s): Dietrich Huff
The Achaemenian Apadana-type palace appeared under Darius I. (522486 BC) in its fully developed shape and continued to be built basically unchanged throughout the Achaemenian period. The question of its formation remained open despite repeated discussions. A serious problem for the solution of the question is a certain incompatibility with its historically secured predecessors, the palatial buildings of Cyrus in Pasargadae. The basic problem however, seems to be the limitation of research to formal developments. Architecture cannot be understood as an art-historical phenomenon alone. It is the result of an entirety of habits of life, of functional, practical, technical, emotional traditional and esthetical factors.
The Immortal Guard Soldiers' Relief is a unique ancient artifact discovered in the Apadana Palace of Susa in Khuzestan Province, Iran. The prominent relief of the three spearmen and archers of the Immortal Guard is made of glazed colored bricks. The relief shows three soldiers of the Immortal Guard of the Achaemenid Empire standing back to back, each holding a spear. The Immortal Guard, the most elite fighting force in the world at the time, was part of the vast Achaemenid army, numbering exactly 10,000 and their main job was to guard and protect the emperor. The relief is kept in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin.
Lion bas-relief from the Apadana Palace
This magnificent bas-relief, made of glazed tiles, is part of the wall decoration of the Apadana Palace in Persepolis, the glorious capital of the Iranian Empire during the Achaemenid era. The image shows a lion’s head in precise and beautiful detail; a majestic face, with a half-open mouth and prominent muscles that symbolize power, courage and dominance. The soft but strong lines on the muzzle, mane and body lines demonstrate the skill of Achaemenid artists in combining realism with symbolic arrangements. The large eyes and sunken ears also convey a symbolic look of attention and alertness of the lion.
The use of glazed tiles in colors such as turquoise, blue, green and yellow not only gives the work a stunning visual effect but also increases its durability against time. This type of decoration, mostly seen in the formal and ceremonial parts of the Apadana Palace, reflects the importance of the lion as a royal and guardian symbol in the Iranian culture of the period. The lion may be part of a more symbolic dynamic scene, such as a lion-bull battle, representing the cycle of time, the confrontation of forces, or even the rituals of the New Year (Nowruz) in the Achaemenid worldview. The art of this bas-relief is a blend of architecture, myth, and politics in one of the most important empires in world history.
This bas-relief is one of the most beautiful works of Sasanian Iran, depicting the wedding of King Bahram II and Queen Shapurdukht. The work reflects the splendor and glory of the Sasanian court with artistic precision. In the center of the bas-relief, the King is seen with a strong figure and a dignified face, whose formal dress and royal jewelry indicate his status and power. On the left, Shapurdukht, with a silk wedding dress and decorated hair, is holding the King’s hand or presenting him with a symbol such as a flower or a ring, which in a way indicates a marriage contract and alliance. On the right side of the image, a member of the King’s royal family is also present, symbolically showing the power and support of this alliance.
The details of this bas-relief demonstrate the skill of Iranian artists in the Sasanian period in combining realism and symbolism. The carved lines on the clothes show the meticulous attention to the texture and design of the fabrics of that period, which is considered to be a reflection of the wealth and splendor of the royal family. In addition, the facial expressions and gestures clearly show the emotional connection between the emperor and the queen. This work is not only a historical scene but also an artistic document of the values, rituals and role of the royal family in Iranian culture during the Sassanid dynasty.
This work, also known as the Tang Qandil relief, is located in the city of Chenarshahijan, Fars Province, in the village of Qandil.
Online Blogs & Digital Publications
Persian Studies Blog: A digital publication focused on current developments in Persian studies, including literature, linguistics, and culture.
Digital Persian Literature Archive: An online platform that preserves and shares Persian literary works in digital formats.
Persian Language Learning Resources: Websites, podcasts, or digital newsletters for learning Persian as a second language.
The bust of Professor Pourdavoud is located on the ground floor of the Central Library. Ebrahim Pourdavoud (20 Bahman 1264 – 26 Aban 1347) was a modern Iranian scholar, the first Avesta specialist and a professor of ancient Iranian culture and the Avestan language at the University of Tehran.
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Avesta.org Zoroastrianism Archives |
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Iranicaonline.org The Encyclopædia Iranica is a comprehensive research tool dedicated to the study of Iranian civilization in the Middle East, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. |
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fa.wikipedia.org 25 years of the free encyclopedia |
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