Persepolis Fortification Archive Project Annual Report 2008-2009
When we began to learn about the legal emergency that puts the Persepolis Fortification Archive in peril, a colleague couldn't resist quoting Samuel Johnson's old saw: "The prospect of hanging concentrates the mind wonderfully." The prospects of the Archive are still perilous, and the Persepolis Fortification Archive (PFA) Project's attention is still concentrated wonderfully on its emergency priorities: to make thorough records of the Archive and to distribute the records widely, freely, and continuously. - 11/18/09
Photos: Parizad Khanom
I just returned from Iran and did some new photos. As I was visiting and shooting a few of the Qajar palaces, I couldn't help but wondering about the Qajar harems. Nasseredin Shah Qaiar had about 100 wives. However, only a few were among the favorites, such as Anis Al-Doleh; many were overlooked. I wondered how lonely life must have been for the new brides who were never to be taken seriously. -Niki Koohpaima - 11/18/09
Photos: Masters Reopen Music Museum of Iran
Masters of music reopened the Music Museum of Iran during a ceremony held on Friday evening. Great musicians and singers Mohammadreza Shajarian, Hossein Dehlavi, Hossein Alizadeh, Davud Ganjeii, Mohammad Sarir, Dariush Pirniakan, Hushang Kamkar, Dariush Talaii and Farhad Fakhreddini were seen among the guests at the opening ceremony. - 11/14/09
Photos: Kermanshah Museum - 32 years in the making!
According to a report by ISNA, the construction of the biggest museum in western Iran, in the city of Kermanshah, has not been completed after about 32 years from start. According to another report by ISNA, some statistics put the number of unfinished projects across Iran at about 50,000. This is one of the biggest economic problems for the country where year after year the projects consume the funds and resources without any benefits to the people. - 11/11/09
Cyrus Cylinder to travel home for a short while
After talks between the Keeper of British Museum on Middle East section John Curtis and the Iranian cultural heritage officials, two sides agreed to display the cylinder in Iran for four months from January 16 - 11/11/09
Vanished Persian army said found in desert
The remains of a mighty Persian army said to have drowned in the sands of the western Egyptian desert 2,500 years ago might have been finally located, solving one of archaeology's biggest outstanding mysteries, according to Italian researchers.-Discovery News - 11/10/09
Celebrating the Cultural Origins of Persian Carpets: Farhang Foundation and LACMA Present the Premiere of Imaginary Knots
An original artistic performance in association with A Tale of Two Persian Carpets: The Ardabil and Coronation Carpets exhibition at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art - 10/30/09
Sassanid site bulldozed in southwestern Iran
Part of a Sassanid tepe was destroyed last week near Ahvaz, the provincial capital of Khuzestan. The destruction was carried out by the Mehrab Housing Company for construction of a high-rise apartment complex, Khuzestan Cultural Heritage Lovers Society (Taryana) announced on Monday. - 10/28/09
Report of PFAP 2009 Event in Palo Alto: The Story of the Persepolis Fortification Archive
Friends of Persepolis Fortification Archive Project (PFAP) extend heartfelt thanks to the 100 guests and all who helped make the PFAP '09 Event not just a wonderfully informative experience, but one which raised both awareness and contributions for this important cause. - 10/22/09
Thousands of Unique Fossils Stored in the Garage of a Rental House in Kerman
Mohsen Tajrobehkar, the manager of the ancient studies in Kerman, told the reported of Mehr News Agency that 70,000 unique fossils are being kept in the garage of a rental house without proper protection. He added that the other part of the fossils collection kept in the ancient studies museum is also in danger due to lack of attention by the officials because cracks have appeared in the walls of the museum and water has sipped in through the ceiling and the walls. - 10/13/09
Iran Warns British Museum Over Cyrus Cylinder
Tehran will cease cooperation with the British Museum in London until it loans the Cyrus the Great Cylinder to the National Museum of Iran. The clay cylinder is inscribed in Babylonian cuneiform with an account by Cyrus II, king of Persia (559-530 BC). The Cyrus Cylinder is described as the world's first charter of human rights. - 10/9/09
Nowrouz Inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Novruz, Nowrouz, Nooruz, Navruz, Nauroz or Nevruz marks the New Year and the beginning of spring across a vast geographical area covering, inter alia, Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan. It is celebrated on 21 March every year, a date originally determined by astronomical calculations. - 10/7/09
PFAP '09 Event On Oct 11th In Palo Alto: Support Preservation Of Ancient Persian Heritage and History
Come join the Friends of Persepolis Fortification Archive Project to hear the story of PFA and support the preservation of the ancient Persian history and cultural heritage during the PFAP '09 Event at Four Seasons Hotel, Silicon Valley, Palo Alto. - 10/5/09
Threatening construction projects halted at Soltanieh Dome
Over the past year, excavations by archaeologists at five trenches and 40 other areas near the Ilkhanid monument have all resulted in the discovery of historical architectural structures, convincing the shops' owners to stop the projects, Soltanieh Dom Cultural Heritage Center Executive Director Mohammadreza Qorbanzadeh told the Persian service of CHN on Saturday. - 10/3/09
Alborz: An International Conference
The Samuel Jordan Center for Persian Studies and Culture at University of California, Irvine cordially invites you to the first international scholarly gathering devoted to the history and the cultural legacy of the American/Alborz College. Founded in 1899 by Dr. Jordan as part of a missionary enterprise, the College became the training ground for generations of Iranian intellectuals, scientists, and men of letters. - 9/21/09
The story of the Persepolis Fortification Archive at Stanford, California
Friends of Persepolis Fortification Archive�Project (PFAP) and�World Association of International Studies (WAIS) cordially invite you for an informative evening on Sunday, October 11, to hear the story of the Persepolis Fortification Archive - 9/14/09
Conference: Historiography & Iran in Comparative Perspective
The Persian speaking world has enjoyed a long tradition of historical writing which sought to situate the Iranian people within a particular narrative of descent and historical development. These narratives were to be challenged with the introduction of new historical methods from Europe in the late 19th century. By the late 20th century there was a dramatic increase in historical writing in Iran - 9/8/09
Ferdowsi Foundation loses hope, organizations do not cooperate
All the programs planned on the occasion of Ferdowsi's Shahnameh millennium were halted due to organizations' lack of cooperation, said general secretary of Iran's Ferdowsi Foundation Yaser Movahhedfar. - 9/8/09
Photos: Charity soup making in Qom
In month of Ramadan, muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity (Zakat). - 9/6/09
Videos: Iran of early 1970s
"A well- known French filmmaker, Albert Lamorisse, under the auspices of Iran's Ministry of Culture and Art, produced the poetic film "Lovers' Wind" (1969). Eighty-five percent of this dramatically visual film is shot from a helicopter, providing a kaleidoscopic view of the vast expanses, natural beauty, historical monuments, cities and villages of Iran. - 9/4/09
Photos: Cleanup and repair of Azadi (freedom) tower
During the 2009 Iranian election protests following the Iranian Presidential Election, protesters scaled the tower and spray-painted slogans of support for candidate Mir-Hossein Mousavi in Farsi - 9/2/09
Mehregan 2009 Dedicated to Human Rights
The 14th Annual Persian Festival of Autumn (Mehregan) will be held at the Great Park in Irvine, California on Sunday, October 4, 2009 - 8/28/09
Photos: Bal Norouz (Gilani New Year) Traditional Ceremony
Bal Norouz, meaning the Norouz fire, is the start of Gilan New Year, in which fire lighting is one of its most important programs, and from long past the people would welcome the New Year by lighting fire. Lighting the fire, thanking God for his blessings and crops, and praying for the peace of the souls of the dead were parts of this ancient Iranian tradition. This ceremony coincides with harvesting in Gilan, a northern province in Iran. -Photos by Narges Tankberis, ISNA - 8/21/09
Iran's George Washington: Remembering and Preserving the Legacy of 1953
We approach the 56-year anniversary of the 1953 coup removing Mohammed Mossadegh as Prime Minister of Iran. Given the challenges that continue to confront the world to this day, it is important to revisit the lessons of this fateful event. An understanding of 1953 seems particularly poignant as the US and the international community grapple with the question of Iran amidst unprecedented levels of internal discord. -Sam Sasan Shoamanesh - 8/19/09
Photos: Vanak Church in Isfahan, Iran
This is the most important and famous historical church in Isfahan from the viewpoint of architecture and decorations values and wall paintings. This church has other names such as san sour or Amena Perkich that means savior. This splendid church was built in 1015 H / 1605 AD. It has a great dome, tall walls and vaults that is now the residence of Armenian caliphate of Iran and India. -Photos by Hossein Baharloo, ISNA - 8/18/09
Photos: Historical Houses in Kashan, Iran
Switzerland-based Iranian Saba Manuchehri has paid for the restoration of four Qajar era historical houses in Kashan. Manuchehri has purchased the old houses and the structures are currently under restoration, said manager of Kashan's Department of Historical House Renovation, Ali-Akbar Helli. - 8/16/09
Uppsala University ready to hold seminar on Iran's ethnic languages
Sweden's Uppsala University is planning to hold a seminar on Iranian folklore and the country's different ethnic languages in collaboration with the office of Iran's cultural attach� in Stockholm, some time in the future. - 8/5/09
Photos: Tehran's Saba Music Museum reopens
The museum has been closed since 2002 for renovation. The museum is located in the home where master musician Abolhassan Saba (1902-1957) lived and died. It houses a large collection of music instruments owned by Saba and a selection of donated instruments, letters handwritten by Saba, photos, personal items and a collection of dolls clad in Persian tribal costumes. - 8/4/09
Sassanid site becomes garbage dump
The Sassanid site of Barm-e Dalak has been turned into a garbage dump. Located in southeastern Shiraz in Fars Province, the site is home to two Sassanid bas-reliefs both carved on a small rock, the Persian service of CHN reported on Tuesday. - 8/4/09
Photos: Journalists criticize crude restoration of historical Khaju Bridge in Isfahan
The Isfahan Press Activists Society issued a statement on Sunday to censure the inept restoration underway on Khaju bridge, one of the most famous historical bridges built over the Zayanderud River in Isfahan. - 8/2/09
Military base hindering registration of Falakolaflak Castle on UNESCO list
Iran's endeavor to register the Falakolaflak Castle on the UNESCO World Heritage List is facing more hurdles due to a military base located on the perimeter of the Sassanid monument. - 8/1/09
Iranian-American Community Vital to Advance of Persian Studies
The diversity and range of Persian programs in the United States today reflect a variety of factors, including the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the end of the Cold War and the impact of a large and active Iranian-American community. -Howard Cincotta - 7/30/09
State Universities Lead Expansion of Persian Studies in U.S.
The growth of Persian and Iranian studies in the United States can be viewed in several ways. One is through its evolution from the study of a predominantly ancient or classical civilization to a modern and international academic field. Another is through its pattern of growth at different institutions of higher learning, and a third is through the expansion of Persian language training. -Howard Cincotta - 7/29/09
Persian Studies in United States Reflects Dynamism and Growth
What is now called Persian or Iranian studies functioned for more than 100 years � from the 19th to the mid-20th century � as part of the classical academic model imported from Europe termed "Orientalism." Universities such as Harvard, Princeton, Columbia, Chicago and California at Berkeley established departments of Near East or Middle Eastern studies built on the pillars of the four major cultures of the region: Arabic, Persian, Hebrew and Turkish. -Howard Cincotta - 7/28/09
Update on efforts to save the Persepolis artifacts
Yesterday, significant progress was made toward protecting the Persepolis tablets and other Persian artifacts under threat. Key stakeholders came out in support of the Burris amendment, but ultimately it was withdrawn at the 11th hour after one member raised a concern about the technical implications of the amendment. -NIAC - 7/25/09
Vienna to unveil statues of Iranian scientists
The Austrian capital is set to unveil a pavilion featuring the statues of four prominent Iranian figures in front of the United Nations Office. Highlighting the Iranian architectural features, the pavilion is adorned with Persian art forms and includes the statues of renowned Iranian scientists Avicenna, Abu Rayhan Birouni, Zakariya Razi (Rhazes) and Omar Khayyam. - 6/10/09
Iranian Academy of Arts to hold seminar on Qajar films next year
Iranian Academy of Arts is to hold a seminar on Qajar films (1794-1925) in the coming year. Filmmakers and experts will speak about the Qajar films in the main section, while an exhibition of photos about the Qajar films will be set up on the sideline of the seminar. - 6/7/09
Italy's IsIAO seeking new methods for restoration of Persepolis
The Italian Institute for Africa and Orient (IsIAO) is currently carrying out a series of comprehensive studies to find new methods for restoration projects at Iran's most important, ancient site, Persepolis. The research project is based on a contract signed between IsIAO and Iran's Parsa and Pasargadae Foundation - 6/1/09
Supreme Court Case can Decide Fate of Persepolis Tablets
As the U.S. District Court decides the fate of thousands of historic Persian artifacts, the U.S. Supreme Court will soon determine whether U.S. citizens can sue the newly formed Republic of Iraq for the misdeeds of the former Saddam Hussein regime. -NIAC - 5/29/09
Historical Photos: 23 May 1981 , Khorramshahr Liberation Day
On May 24, 1982, Iranian forces entered Khorramshahr and ended the occupation by Iraqi forces. The commander of the Iraqi forces in the city, Colonel Ahmad Zeidan, attempted to flee but was trapped in a minefield which was set up on his orders and killed when he stepped on a mine. - 5/23/09
Bam: Five Years After
On December 26, 2003, an earthquake killed 32,000 people, flattened 70% of Bam's buildings and equally devastated the nearby town of Baravat and 260 area villages. Bam Citadel (or Arg-e-Bam) was reduced from a stunning byzantine garrison, visited by more than 100,000 people yearly, to a canyon of pulverized rubble not much different than the other treeless, rock-strewn mountains that delineate the central Iranian plateau from the southern desert. -Ramin Mazaheri - 5/22/09
Photos: Ferdowsi Day Celebrations in Tous, Iran
Iranians across the country have celebrated the national day of the highly revered Iranian epic poet Ferdowsi on May 15. Also, a special program was held at the tomb of Ferdowsi in the city of Tous. - 5/16/09
The visionary shah who inspired an Islamic republic
Shah Abbas I, the fifth Safavid ruler, came to power in 1587. Under his rule Iran became a great political power, transforming international trade and diplomacy. His legacy, however, goes beyond political ambition and culminates in a clear and decisive vision for cultural and artistic expression and development. -Elaheh Rostami-Povey, Guardian - 5/14/09
Iran attempts to maintain 4 salt mummies
Iran's four saltmen, unique salt mummies, have found a new resting place is one of the most advanced display cases in the world. The vacuum chamber in Zanjan can precisely control humidity and airflow and is provided with a nitrogen-rich mixture deadly to known bacteria and mold. - 5/11/09
Iran to celebrate Ferdowsi Day on May 15
Various programs including congresses, seminars and meetings are organized across the country to commemorate the name of the great epic poet Ferdowsi. The cities of Mashhad, Semnan in northern Iran and capital Tehran are preparing for programs as the national day of Ferdowsi approaches on May 15. - 5/11/09
Bust of Ferdowsi now graces University of Oxford
The bust of Ferdowsi was unveiled at the University of Oxford Friday on the occasion of the Shahnameh millennium. - 5/9/09
Chicago University's Oriental Institute Digitalizing Persepolis tablets
The tablets, which were loaned to Chicago University to be studied in 1937, were discovered by the university's archeology team in 1933. "They were written, sealed and filed in a short span of time, between 509 and 493 BCE, in the middle of the reign of the Achaemenid Persian king Darius I," said director of the Oriental Institute Gil Stein. - 5/6/09
Update on NIAC’s Efforts to Preserve Persian Artifacts
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division earlier this month heard NIAC's motion to file a brief Amicus Curiae in conjunction with the Rubin v. Islamic Republic of Iran v. University of Chicago lawsuit. - 5/5/09
Iran Heritage, Persian Gulf, and Iran Alliance 2009 Scholarship and Merit Awards
The selection committee and board members are pleased to announce the 2009 recipients of Scholarship and Merit Awards. Some of the criteria used to evaluate individuals were: (a) difficulty of the tasks, (b) length of time devoted to the community, and (c) their innovative ideas to help the Iranian community. - 5/5/09
150-year anniversary of translation of Khayyam's Rubaiyat by Fitz Gerald
Year 2009 marks both the 200-year anniversary of birthday of Edward Fitz Gerald and the 150-year anniversary of the first translation of Khayyam's poetry by him. Hakim Omar Khayyam, born in 1048 in Neyshapur, then capital of Seljuk Dynasty, in modern day Khorasan, was famous as a mathematician during his own life time, nearly a thousand years before he became a famous poet in the West through the hands of Fitz Gerald. -A. J. Cave - 5/4/09
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