Iranology

Iranology is an interdisciplinary field dealing with the study of Iranian Cultural Continent . It incorporates the study of history, literature, art and culture of Persia and modern-day Iran . The terms '''Iranistics''', '''Iranian studies''' and '''Persian studies''' also refer to studies in culture, history, languages and other aspects of the Iranian Peoples such as Persians , Kurds , Pashtun s, Ossetians , Scythian s etc.

HISTORY OF IRANOLOGY IN PERSIA

Persian poet and thinker, Ferdowsi , is known as the founder of Iranology. In his master-piece Shahnameh , he tried to extensively address Persian Culture , Literature , Art , history and Anthropology .

In 9th century, Persian historian Jarir Al-Tabari made a distinct contribution to Iranology with his book entitled ''History of the Prophets and Kings'', which covers historical events till AD 915. ''Tarikh-e Mas'oudi'' by Persian historian and author Abolfazl Beyhaghi (995-1077), is one the most creditable sources about the Ghaznavid Empire , and his fluent prose style has made the book considerable in Persian literature too.

Persian historian Ata Malek Joveyni was the first of several brilliant representatives of Persian historiography who flourished during the period of Mongol domination in Iran (1220–1336). Joveyni's magnum opus, the Tarikh-i jehan-gusha, is one of the most important works of Persian historiography. {Link without Title}

Sharaf Ad-Din 'Ali Yazdi was one of the greatest of 15th-century Persia. The work for which he is best known is the ''Zafernameh'' (The Book of Victory). It is a history of the world conqueror Timur (Tamerlane; 1370–1405) and was probably based on the history of the same name by Nizam ad-Din Shami, a work written at Timur's request. {Link without Title}

IRANOLOGY IN MODERN PERSIA (IRAN)

Tehran University established several Iranology chairs, as ancient Iranian Linguistics and culture, Persian literature, history and archeology. Many prominet figures hold these chairs during last century such as Abdolhossein Zarrinkoub , Ahmad Tafazzoli , Jaleh Amouzgar and Badrozzaman Gharib .
, Persian historian and scholar.]]
Early in 20th century a huge project was started by Persian linguist and historian Allameh Dehkhoda . His encyclopedic collection is the largest comprehensive Persian dictionary ever published, in 15 volumes (26000 pages).

Throughout history, there were several publications on Iranology, among them ''Sokhan'', ''Yaqma'', ''Rahnamay e Ketab'' and ''Kelk'' were considered the most significant. ''Kelk'' was founded by Ali Dehbashi and very soon became one of the most prestigious Iranology journal in the world. Bokhara Magazine (''Kelk'' under a new name) is today the most most reputable Iranology journal. Ali Dehbashi and Iraj Afshar are main editors of the journal who put significant effort in promoting Iranology during last few decades. {Link without Title}

IRANOLOGY IN EUROPE

University Of Goettingen is the pioneer of Iranology in the West. In 2003 the hundredth anniversary of Iranology Department was held at Gottingen University. Among European countres, Germany contributed most to Iranology and Persian studies. {Link without Title}

European Iranologist Society has many international meetings in its periodical conferences in different universities and scientific centers all over the world.

IRANOLOGY IN UNITED STATES

Serious studies of Iranology and instruction of Persian language were launched in the United States in 1958. Iranology department were founded in numerous American universities as Stanford University and Columbia University .

Encyclopedia Iranica which is the most reputable source of Iranian culture has been initiated in Coloumbia University. Prominent Iranologists as Richard Nelson Frye and Ehsan Yarshater have been involved in this project. In fact it is the only precise and reliable reference work on the lands, life, culture and history of all Iranian Peoples and their interaction with other societies. {Link without Title}

SOME WESTERN CENTERS HAVING ADVANCED IRANIAN STUDIES PROGRAMS

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