Iranian Studies

Manichaeism and Its Zurvanian Roots: From Conceptual Interaction to Cosmological Opposition

ّFarshad Farshbaf Abrishami; Majidreza Rajabi; Mehrnaz Behroozi

Volume 16, Issue 1 , May 2026, , Pages 19-46

https://doi.org/10.22059/jis.2026.411642.1405

Abstract

As one of the most significant Gnostic movements of late antiquity, Manichaeism emerged from the cultural and religious context of Iran. One of the most debated issues in Manichaean ... Read More

Iconographical Analysis and Iconological Interpretation of the Snake and Eagle Motif in the Jiroft Civilization (3rd Millennium BC)

Esmaeil Sangari; Shaghayegh Taheri Bakhtiarvand

Volume 16, Issue 1 , May 2026, , Pages 47-68

https://doi.org/10.22059/jis.2025.393018.1341

Abstract

In January 2001, a common surge within the southeastern area of Kerman, Iran, uncovered an obscure culture in Jiroft. The surge revealed artifacts that each uncover a covered up corner ... Read More

Proposal for Determining the Function and Chronology of Qaleh Dokhtar (Maiden's Fortress) of Sāveh

Ismail Sharahi; Mohammad Ebrahim Zarei; Hamide Choubak

Volume 16, Issue 1 , May 2026, , Pages 69-97

https://doi.org/10.22059/jis.2024.365574.1231

Abstract

The structure of Qaleh Dokhtar (also known as Qiz Qal'eh or Qiz Qal'eh) is a mountain fortress situated 25 kilometers southwest of Sāveh, atop a solitary mountain in the Hendeš ... Read More

Evidences of Sasanid art in the Eastern States and its influence on Chinese art (Case study: pearl decorations)

Mina Rastgar fard; Yaghoub Mohammadifar; Esmail Hemati Azandaryani

Volume 15, Issue 4 , February 2026, , Pages 1-29

https://doi.org/10.22059/jis.2023.362774.1216

Abstract

Pearl is one of the most frequently used ornaments in Sassanid decoration arts which, as a valuable element and the symbol of divine glory in religious and nonreligious figures. In ... Read More Pearl is one of the most frequently used ornaments in Sassanid decoration arts which, as a valuable element and the symbol of divine glory in religious and nonreligious figures. In the Sassanid era comprehensive and vast connections with the east was formed which led to exchange of cultural concepts and content of Sassanid art with those countries. The wide-range reach of Persian culture and its expanse and popularity in China on the Silk Road is one of the main focuses of this research; and thus, the study of pearl decorations as an index of most repeated common decorations in Sassanid era, especially particular art of the courtiers and nobles, has been considered. This study aims to answer two important questions: By studying the pearl motifs, the influence of the artistic and religious thinking of the Sassanid court on Chinese civilization can be examined from what aspects? Was the usage of pearl depictions in Chinese arts consciously or was it a mere imitation of Sassanid royal arts as a new and luxurious commodity or tradition? The nature of current study is fundamental and its approach is descriptive, analytical-comparative and the data gathering method is of library type. In this study culture refers to distinct and unique parts of artistic tastes and thoughts, architectural decorations, textiles and other artworks that had an impact on Chinese culture. The considered geographical expanse includes documents achieved in the eastern Sassanid provinces and further the study of its impact along the Silk Road through China. The pearl decorative elements used in Buddhist temples, Sogdian tombs or Manichaean sources are not merely imitations derived from the Sassanid aesthetic concept; Rather, it is 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 the Sassanid culture to the neighboring nations is trade along the Silk Road, in front of the presence of numerous ambassadors and the sending of various gifts from the Sassanids to the Chinese court.

Namri; An ancient land in a part of Ilam province?

Sorena Firouzi; Muhammad amin Saadat mehr; Zohre Jozi

Volume 15, Issue 4 , February 2026, , Pages 85-103

https://doi.org/10.22059/jis.2023.358270.1197

Abstract

The study of Mesopotamian inscriptions, especially from the Middle and Neo-Assyrian periods, has provided researchers with much geographical data. Based on the topographical coordinates ... Read More The study of Mesopotamian inscriptions, especially from the Middle and Neo-Assyrian periods, has provided researchers with much geographical data. Based on the topographical coordinates provided by this information, the cultural and historical background of the western and central regions of the Iranian plateau has been better investigated. This process has formed the basis for many historical, cultural, and archaeological studies. Assyrians gradually began to pay attention to the east of their land from the era of Tiglath-Pileser I, and this view gained strength during the Neo-Assyrian periods. Therefore, in this upcoming research, we will use the geographical basis of the royal inscriptions of the Neo-Assyrian kings to investigate which territories described in those written documents corresponded to the boundaries of the current Ilam province or at least its northern part. This article demonstrates that contrary to opinions raised about the land of Namri, an important part of the coordinates of this ancient area coincided with the boundaries of Ilam province. Furthermore, this research argues that based on this conclusion and a study of the cultural components of Namri, we can gain a better understanding of the cultural state of the coordinates of Ilam province in the first millennium BCE .The study of Mesopotamian inscriptions, especially from the Middle and Neo-Assyrian periods, has provided researchers with much geographical data. Based on the topographical coordinates provided by this information, the cultural and historical background of the western and central regions of the Iranian plateau has been better investigated. This process has formed the basis for many historical, cultural, and archaeological studies. Assyrians gradually began to pay attention to the east of their land from the era of Tiglath-Pileser I, and this view gained strength during the Neo-Assyrian periods. Therefore, in this upcoming research, we will use the geographical basis of the royal inscriptions of the Neo-Assyrian kings to investigate which territories described in those written documents corresponded to the boundaries of the current Ilam province or at least its northern part.

the early centuries' monastery located in the city of Susa; Continuation of ancient Iranian traditions in the monastic system

majid montazer zohouri; Darywsh Barati Dasht Rahi

Volume 15, Issue 2 , September 2025, , Pages 93-116

https://doi.org/10.22059/jis.2024.372369.1262

Abstract

The city of Susa, In the north of Khuzestan province, it is one of the first ancient places where extensive archaeological researches have been conducted. In 1947, the French archaeologist ... Read More

Parthian Arsacids or Scythian Arsacids? The emergence of the Arsacid ‎based on written sources and archaeological evidence ‎(Sources, Obstacles and Challenges)‎

Hashem Kazemi; Mostafa Dehpahlavan

Volume 13, Issue 4 , March 2024, , Pages 1-22

https://doi.org/10.22059/jis.2023.350547.1167

Abstract

The beginning of the Parthian dynasty and the identity of Arsaces I as the head of this dynasty is one of the most mysterious parts of Parthian history. Based on the analysis of the ... Read More The beginning of the Parthian dynasty and the identity of Arsaces I as the head of this dynasty is one of the most mysterious parts of Parthian history. Based on the analysis of the written sources regarding the identity of Arsaces, these sources can be divided into two different historiographical traditions: one by Apollodorus and his followers Justin and Strabo, and the other by Arrian and his followers (Photius, Zosimus, Syncellus, Dio). Meanwhile, a narrative has been more welcomed among Parthian history and archeology researchers. According to this narrative, Arsaces was a Scythian who was the head of the Aparni tribe of the Dahae union. Then, based on this version of the origin of the Parthians, in the middle of the 3rd century BC, Arsaces took advantage of the confusion of the Seleucid empire in the west and together with the Aparni, captured the Seleucid state of Parthia and and provided the foundation for the formation of the Parthian Empire. The main reference and the most effective spreader of the concept of nomadic and Scythian Parthians is Strabo. He was inspired by the older Hellenistic historians in understanding the origin of the Parthians, however, none of them lived before the second century BC. In this research, the researchers based on archaeological evidence and analysis of written sources, say that the Arrian historiography tradition and his followers based on the fact that Arsaces was a native Parthian are closer to the political and social realities of the Parthian period, and we argue that Arsaces I was never able to create a kingdom comparable to the Seleucid Empire, he just managed a tributary state under the rule of the Seleucids. The establishment of the Parthian kingdom based on local and Parthian elements could have taken place only after the reign of Antiochus III (223/2-187b.c). In fact, there is no direct or indirect evidence for the Parthian Empire in Iran in the 3rd century b.c. If the early Parthian kingdom had essentially a territorial foundation, it could not have been anything more than a regional power.

Investigating the political and commercial relations of Aghlabids based on the coins discovered from Karaj Abu Dolaf and Tel Yavne

Esmail Sharahi; Maryam mohammadi; Majid Montaze Zohouri

Volume 13, Issue 1 , June 2023, , Pages 21-39

https://doi.org/10.22059/jis.2023.335418.1067

Abstract

Aghlabids(184-296 AH) was the first semi-independent government during the Abbasid caliphate in the Islamic Maghreb that with conquering parts of North Africa and southern Italy, especially ... Read More

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Main Subjects = Archeology

Manichaeism and Its Zurvanian Roots: From Conceptual Interaction to Cosmological Opposition

Abstract

Iconographical Analysis and Iconological Interpretation of the Snake and Eagle Motif in the Jiroft Civilization (3rd Millennium BC)

Abstract

Proposal for Determining the Function and Chronology of Qaleh Dokhtar (Maiden's Fortress) of Sāveh

Abstract

Evidences of Sasanid art in the Eastern States and its influence on Chinese art (Case study: pearl decorations)

Abstract

Namri; An ancient land in a part of Ilam province?

Abstract

the early centuries' monastery located in the city of Susa; Continuation of ancient Iranian traditions in the monastic system

Abstract

Parthian Arsacids or Scythian Arsacids? The emergence of the Arsacid ‎based on written sources and archaeological evidence ‎(Sources, Obstacles and Challenges)‎

Abstract

Investigating the political and commercial relations of Aghlabids based on the coins discovered from Karaj Abu Dolaf and Tel Yavne

Abstract