Encyclopaedia Iranica [EI]

FAIN: PW-50882-11

Columbia University (New York, NY 10027-7922)
Ehsan O. Yarshater (Project Director: July 2010 to September 2013)

Preparation of the "Encyclopædia Iranica," a multi-disciplinary reference work and research tool on Iranian history and civilization from prehistory to the present.

The Encyclopaedia Iranica (EI) is a major Iranian Studies reference work dedicated to the study of Iranian civilization in the Middle East, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. Intended for scholars, students and non-specialists, all entries are written with careful documentation and extensive bibliographies by leading scholars from many different countries. The EI is offered in a free digital edition (www.iranicaonline.org) and in print. Production and maintenance are coordinated and carried out by the staff of the Center for Iranian Studies at Columbia University. Thus far nearly 6,200 entries have been published, 700 of which are available only in the digital edition. During the two-year period of 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2013, the NEH grant will allow the project to continue with the production and development of the digital edition.

Media Coverage

A Lifetime Quest to Finish a Monumental Encyclopedia of Iran (Media Coverage)
Author(s): PATRICIA COHEN
Publication: New York Times
Date: 8/12/2011
Abstract: Brief account of the Encyclopaedia Iranica project and of the editor-in-chief.
URL: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/13/books/ehsan-yarshaters-encyclopedia-of-iranian-history.html?_r=1

37 Years And Halfway Through Encyclopaedia Iranica (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Jacki Lyden
Publication: National Public Radio program "Tell Me More"
Date: 9/26/2011
Abstract: Interview of the editor-in-chief and Prof. Ahmad Karimi-Hakkak, discussing the history of the Encyclopaedia Iranica project.
URL: http://www.npr.org/2011/09/26/140807176/37-years-and-halfway-through-encyclopaedia-iranica?live=1

Encyclopedia Iranica: Ehsan Yarshater's Grand Obsession (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Porus P. Cooper
Publication: Fezana Journal
Date: 12/1/2011
Abstract: A question and answer interview with Prof. Yarshater first reviews in general terms the scope and history of the Encyclopaedia Iranica project. It then focuses on the subjects of special interest to readers of this journal--the encyclopedia's coverage of pre-Islamic Iran and Zoroastrianism in particular, the enduring presence and influence of Zoroastrians in Iran, and their status in contemporary Iran.
URL: http://khanizadeh.info/fezana_journals/2011/winter/

Porowfesur Ehsan Yarshater az zaban-e khodesh (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Ehsan Yarshater
Publication: Persian Heritage/Miras-e Iran
Date: 7/10/2013
Abstract: (In Persian) full title: "Prof. Ehsan Yarshater in his own words: founder and editor in chief of the Iranica and researcher on the history and culture of Iran." The article is a leisurely, five-page review of his early life and career, with his educational efforts leading up to the foundation of the Encyclopaedia Iranica project. The key role of the NEH in support of the project after 1979 and the subsequent history of the project through completion of volume 15 of the print edition is described.
URL: http://persian-heritage.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/PH66-F.pdf

Encyclopaedia Iranica Project Reaches Milestone (Media Coverage)
Author(s):
Publication: Columbia College Today
Date: 9/1/2012
Abstract: The article updates the account of Prof. Yarshater and the Encyclopaedia Iranica project given in the same publication in 2003, with focus on successful fundraising.
URL: http://www.college.columbia.edu/cct/fall12/around_the_quads2

Portrait: Dr. Ehsan Yarshater (Media Coverage)
Author(s): Voice of America
Publication: Voice of America, Persian News Network
Date: 9/26/2011
Abstract: (In Persian) Extended, two-part interview with Prof. Yarshater on his background, life, and work and the aims of the Encyclopaedia Iranica project.
URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBOMAXWdPig

(Review)
Author(s): Jean-Pierre Digard
Publication: L'Homme. Revue française d'anthropologie
Date: 4/1/2014
Abstract: The review in L'Homme, no. 210, pp. 166-172, covers both the present volume and the same author's complementary work, Un autre Iran. Un ethnologue au Gilân (also 2013).
URL: http://lhomme.revues.org/

Associated Products

Jewish Communities of Iran (Book)
Title: Jewish Communities of Iran
Editor: Houman Sarshar
Abstract: Entries on Judeo-Persian Communities Published by the Encyclopaedia Iranica
Year: 2011
Primary URL: http://www.iranicaonline.org
Primary URL Description: Encyclopædia Iranica Online
Secondary URL: https://www.eisenbrauns.com/ECOM/_3AR0XHOU7.HTM
Secondary URL Description: Distributor's web page
Access Model: open
Publisher: Encyclopædia Iranica Foundation
Type: Edited Volume
ISBN: 9781934283325

Encyclopædia Iranica Volume XVI, Fascicle 1. KASHAN—KAŠŠI, ABU ?AMR MO?AMMAD (Book)
Title: Encyclopædia Iranica Volume XVI, Fascicle 1. KASHAN—KAŠŠI, ABU ?AMR MO?AMMAD
Editor: Ehsan Yarshater
Abstract: The first fascicle of volume XVI continues the coverage of letter K. It contains 34 articles. Major topics covered in multiple articles are: KASHAN - city of central Iran KASHMIR - Persian language and Persianate culture there KASRAVI, AHMAD - major modernist intellectual (1890-1946)
Year: 2012
Primary URL: http://www.iranicaonline.org/pages/previously-published-2012
Primary URL Description: List of contents of the fascicle; the contents are online under the letter K index.
Secondary URL: https://www.eisenbrauns.com/
Secondary URL Description: Homepage of the distributor of the print edition, Eisenbrauns Inc. Click on “Encyclopaedia Iranica.”
Access Model: open access
Publisher: Encyclopædia Iranica Foundation
Type: Edited Volume
ISBN: 9781934283332

Encyclopædia Iranica Volume XVI, Fascicle 2. KAŠŠI, ABU ?AMR MO?AMMAD—KÉGL, SÁNDOR (Book)
Title: Encyclopædia Iranica Volume XVI, Fascicle 2. KAŠŠI, ABU ?AMR MO?AMMAD—KÉGL, SÁNDOR
Editor: Ehsan Yarshater
Abstract: The second fascicle of volume XVI continues the coverage of letter K. Especially notable in this fascicle is the comprehensive survey of the Kayanid dynasty in the traditional history of Iran, as recorded in our sources both pre-Islamic and Islamic.
Year: 2013
Primary URL: http://www.iranicaonline.org/pages/recently-published
Primary URL Description: List of contents of the fascicle; the contents are online under the letter K index.
Secondary URL: https://www.eisenbrauns.com/
Secondary URL Description: Homepage of the distributor of the print edition, Eisenbrauns Inc. Click on “Encyclopaedia Iranica.”
Access Model: open access
Publisher: Encyclopædia Iranica Foundation Inc.
Type: Edited Volume
ISBN: 9781934283394

Gilan. Entries on Gilan published by the Encyclopaedia Iranica (Book)
Title: Gilan. Entries on Gilan published by the Encyclopaedia Iranica
Editor: Christian Bromberger
Abstract: The 54 articles in this volume offer a unique and comprehensive collection of research on Gilan, which is a very specific province in Northern Iran. The volume comprises the entries on Gilan published in Encyclopaedia Iranica, either in the printed or in the online edition (www.iranicaonline.org), up to 2012. Some of the articles have been updated and all include comprehensive bibliographies. The book is organized into four sections. The first section offers an overview of the province's administrative divisions, geography, demography, ethnic composition, and languages and dialects. The second section presents the complex history of the province from ancient times to the present. The third section, "Productive activities and social structures,' covers the resources, production techniques, and social framework in which these activities developed. Finally, the fourth section, "Customs and mores," focuses on the folk customs and regional lifestyle. The collection, therefore, encompasses the main characteristics of Gilan province. Each article has been written by a qualified scholar.
Year: 2013
Primary URL: http://www.eisenbrauns.com/item/BROGILAN
Primary URL Description: Permanent link to this book at the website of the distributor,, Eisenbrauns Inc.
Publisher: Encyclopædia Iranica Foundation, Inc. and Institut français de recherche en Iran
Type: Edited Volume
ISBN: 978-1-934283-3
Copy sent to NEH?: Yes

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