Empress Farah Pahlavi
at
The Encyclopaedia Iranica Gala, Columbia University May 5, 2007
Message of Her Majesty Farah Pahlavi The Encyclopaedia Iranica Gala, Columbia University May 5, 2007
Iran possesses an ancient culture that has endured and at times thrived through millennia of vicissitude and foreign invasions without losing its Iranian identity. Iranians within Iran and those in the diaspora continue to produce significant works of distinctive character in the fields of literature, music, painting and cinema.
Iranian culture has not been confined to the geographical boundaries of present day Iran. Both in pre-Islamic and Islamic times Iran has had a profound influence on other cultures. Persian language and literature dominated Mughal India as well as Anatolia for several centuries, and Persian masters of poetry were followed in Indian and Ottoman courts as well as the courts of Central Asia.
It is regrettable that the value of contributions that Iran has made to world civilization has at times been overshadowed by the present political environment and debate.
I hope that the Encyclopaedia Iranica transcends all political inclinations, while accurately portraying every aspect of Iranian life and culture from pre-history to the present. The objective of the Encyclopaedia Iranica has been to elucidate not only the political, economic, and administrative history of the Iranian world, but also the Iranian contributions to the fields of art, architecture, literature, sciences, and music.
It is gratifying that practically all the outstanding scholars of Iranian Studies worldwide participate in this commendable enterprise of Columbia University.
The enduring efforts of the Editors of the Encyclopaedia in bringing this monumental work to publication are greatly appreciated. I wish its editors and staff every success in realizing their goal.
Her Majesty Shahbanou Farah Pahlavi with
Professor Ehsan Yarshater
at the Encyclopaedia Iranica Gala, Columbia University, New York,
May 5, 2007 at Auction Preview depicting gown originally owned by the
Shahbanou.
At left is Dr. Ehsan Yarshater who initiated the famed Encyclopaedia Iranica.
In the Background (right) is Ms. Mariam Ansary.
With Dr. Ghahary (left) and Mr. Semnani center both staunch supporters of Ecyclopaedia
Iranica. Right with Dr. Ghahary
Shahbanou Farah Pahlavi and guests at the Encyclopaedia Iranica Gala, May 5,
2007 Columbia University
At left in white suit is Iranian painter Hossein Zendehroudi
Link to Encyclopaedia Iranica Site