Iranian History Comprehensive 20-Volume Collection
The history of Iran is documented in one of the most extensive literary undertakings in the nation's record: a massive 20-volume series. Originally planned as a 14-volume set, the work was expanded to provide a more exhaustive account of the region's evolution. This monumental collection features over 55 main titles, 160 sub-titles, and approximately 300 additional sub-sections, offering a granular look at the Iranian Plateau from prehistoric times to the modern era.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
Key Facts
- Total Volume Count: 20 volumes.
- Structure: 5 volumes on pre-Islamic history and 15 volumes on post-Islamic history.
- Scope: Covers ancient man, multiple empires, science, literature, and social systems.
- Detail Level: Includes over 55 main titles and 460+ combined sub-titles.
Pre-Islamic Iran (Volumes 1–5)
The first five volumes establish the foundation of Iranian civilization, beginning with the earliest human inhabitants of the Iranian Plateau and the arrival of the Aryans.
Ancient Empires and Mythology
Volume One and Two detail the political trajectory of the Medes and the Achaemenid Empire (the first Persian Empire), continuing through the Seleucid era and the various sectarian monarchies that followed. This section culminates in the Sasanian Empire and an exploration of Iran's mythological history.
Society, Art, and Science
Volumes Three through Five shift focus from political timelines to cultural development. They examine the economic and social structures of the Sasanian period, military and administrative organizations, and the evolution of pre-Islamic art and architecture. Additionally, these volumes cover early Iranian language, philosophy, geography, and education.
Post-Islamic Iran (Volumes 6–20)
The remaining fifteen volumes chronicle the transformative period following the Islamic conquest, tracing the rise and fall of various dynasties and the evolution of Persian identity.
The Early Islamic and Medieval Eras
Volume Six covers the transition from the Sasanian government to Arab rule and the subsequent rise of the Abbasid state. Volume Seven and Eight explore the semi-independent governments in Khorasan and other regions, including the Tahirid, Kakuyid, Buyid, and Ghaznavid dynasties, as well as Iranian influences within the Seljuq era.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
Mongol Invasions and the Transition to Modernity
Volumes Nine and Ten analyze the period of the Atabakan and the devastating Mongol invasions led by Genghis Khan's successors, leading to the establishment of the Ilkhanate. This era transitions into the Timurid Empire and the early Safavid dynasty.
The Safavid, Afsharid, Zand, and Qajar Dynasties
Volume Eleven continues the Safavid narrative through the Afsharid and Zand dynasties. Volume Twelve focuses on the Qajar era, detailing foreign relations with European powers and the Ottoman Empire, the Constitutional monarchy revolution, and the impact of new civilizations. Appendices in this volume cover the Khanates of Central Asia, Ganjeh, Sheki, Qarabagh, and the Persian Gulf.
Culture, Science, and Social Systems
The final volumes move away from chronological political history to thematic studies:
- Volumes 13–14: The history of science and literature, including Iranian contributions to Arabic translations, astronomy, mathematics, medicine, and Sufism.
- Volumes 15–17: A deep dive into Persian language and literature from the Islamic era to the Qajar period, including journalism and ethnic literatures.
- Volumes 18–19: A comprehensive study of Iranian art, architecture, handicrafts, music, and rituals.
- Volume 20: An analysis of social history, the legal system, public life, and various religious sects.
Summary of the 20-Volume Series
| Volume(s) | Primary Focus | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Ancient Political History | Medes, Achaemenids, Seleucids, Sasanians, Mythology |
| 3–5 | Pre-Islamic Culture | Economics, Art, Architecture, Language, Philosophy |
| 6–8 | Early Islamic Period | Arab Conquest, Abbasids, Tahirids, Buyids, Ghaznavids |
| 9–10 | Mongol & Timurid Eras | Atabakan, Ilkhanate, Timurids |
| 11–12 | Late Dynasties | Safavids, Afsharids, Zands, Qajars, Constitutional Revolution |
| 13–17 | Intellectual History | Science, Medicine, Persian Literature, Journalism |
| 18–20 | Arts & Society | Architecture, Music, Law, Social Classes, Religions |
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the book divided between pre- and post-Islamic history?
The first five volumes are dedicated to pre-Islamic Iran, while the subsequent fifteen volumes cover the post-Islamic period.
Was the book always intended to be 20 volumes long?
No, the work was originally scheduled to be published in fourteen volumes before being expanded to twenty.
Which volumes cover the Mongol invasion and the Ilkhanate?
The Mongol invasions and the establishment of the Ilkhanate government are primarily discussed in Volume Nine and Volume Ten.
Where can one find information on Persian literature and science?
The history of science and the role of Iranians in scientific translation are found in Volumes 13 and 14, while the history of Persian language and literature is covered in Volumes 15 through 17.
Does the collection cover the Qajar era and the Constitutional revolution?
Yes, Volume Twelve specifically examines the Qajar era, foreign relations, and the context of the Constitutional monarchy revolution.