Iranian Studies

Research Paper

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.

Research Paper

Philanthropy and its dimensions in Zoroastrianism

Farahnaz Shams; Kolsoum Ghazanfari

Volume 15, Issue 4 , February 2026, Pages 31-48

https://doi.org/10.22059/jis.2025.380726.1303

Abstract

Among the important concepts in Zoroastrianism, philanthropy is highly recommended and has received special attention. Philanthropy has a wide scope and dimensions, and knowing its ... Read More Among the important concepts in Zoroastrianism, philanthropy is highly recommended and has received special attention. Philanthropy has a wide scope and dimensions, and knowing its examples, scope and mechanisms can clarify its individual, social, spiritual and cultural functions. Considering the impact of philanthropy on the morality and life of individuals and society, the explanation of this concept can clarify the perception and view of society and individuals towards it. The purpose of this article is to examine philanthropy and its dimensions in Pahlavi texts that were formalized in the Sasanian period or the first Islamic centuries. Depending on the period in which these texts were written, it is possible to learn about the definitions and activities of individuals, religious institutions and the state apparatus in this field, which required interaction between them. Studies show that the interests of the individual and the family, the community and the religious community were taken into account in the discussion of philanthropy.Among the important concepts in Zoroastrianism, philanthropy is highly recommended and has received special attention. Philanthropy has a wide scope and dimensions, and knowing its examples, scope and mechanisms can clarify its individual, social, spiritual and cultural functions. Considering the impact of philanthropy on the morality and life of individuals and society, the explanation of this concept can clarify the perception and view of society and individuals towards it. The purpose of this article is to examine philanthropy and its dimensions in Pahlavi texts that were formalized in the Sasanian period or the first Islamic centuries. Depending on the period in which these texts were written, it is possible to learn about the definitions and activities of individuals, religious institutions and the state apparatus in this field, which required interaction between them. Studies show that the interests of the individual and the family, the community and the religious community were taken into account in the discussion of philanthropy.

Research Paper

The conceptual image of Iran in the Shiite discourse of the Safavid era (with emphasis on reciting Roza Al-Anwar Mullah Muhammad Baqer Sabzevari)

Fatemeh Taherkhani; Heydar valizadeh

Volume 15, Issue 4 , February 2026, Pages 49-64

https://doi.org/10.22059/jis.2024.378202.1293

Abstract

The purpose of writing this article is to investigate the language mechanisms in the Shiite discourse that led to the recovery and revival of the concept of "Iran" in the Safavid era.The ... Read More

Research Paper

Woman as the Other in Qajar-Era Travelogues: A Critical Reading through Narrative Identity, Power/Knowledge, and the Third Space

somayeh Abbasi; Somayeh Khanipour

Volume 15, Issue 4 , February 2026, Pages 65-84

https://doi.org/10.22059/jis.2025.402095.1368

Abstract

Historical–literary studies of the Qajar era—especially travelogues—have often settled for superficial, stereotypical depictions of women and neglected deeper discursive ... Read More

Research Paper

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.

Research Paper

The effectiveness of the possible relations of diplomacy on the institution of the family Emphasizing the drivers of governance in the Safavid era

zahra sadat keshavarz

Volume 15, Issue 4 , February 2026, Pages 105-128

https://doi.org/10.22059/jis.2025.387372.1328

Abstract

In this connection, Max Weber's theory and comparative strategy have been put as a basis so that an ideal type of family change in the demography of the history of most societies becomes ... Read More

Research Paper

Was Frēdōn, the Possessor of Three Powers, a Warrior, a Physician, or a Prophet? (Based on the Three Texts: Sūdgar Nask, Waršt-Mānsar Nask and the Manichaean Text “dr”)

Poorchista Goshtasbi Ardakany; Zohreh Zarshenas; Farzaneh Goshtasb

Volume 15, Issue 4 , February 2026, Pages 129-150

https://doi.org/10.22059/jis.2025.389555.1336

Abstract

Frēdōn is one of the most famous mythical heroes of Iran who defeated Zahhak and imprisoned him on Mount Damavand. In this study, the myths about Frēdōn that appear in the Sūdgar ... Read More

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Volume & Issue: Volume 15, Issue 4, February 2026, Pages 1-150

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

Abstract

Philanthropy and its dimensions in Zoroastrianism

Abstract

The conceptual image of Iran in the Shiite discourse of the Safavid era (with emphasis on reciting Roza Al-Anwar Mullah Muhammad Baqer Sabzevari)

Abstract

Woman as the Other in Qajar-Era Travelogues: A Critical Reading through Narrative Identity, Power/Knowledge, and the Third Space

Abstract

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

Abstract

The effectiveness of the possible relations of diplomacy on the institution of the family Emphasizing the drivers of governance in the Safavid era

Abstract

Was Frēdōn, the Possessor of Three Powers, a Warrior, a Physician, or a Prophet? (Based on the Three Texts: Sūdgar Nask, Waršt-Mānsar Nask and the Manichaean Text “dr”)

Abstract