Master Ebrahim Pourdavoud and Iranology’, a book by literary researcher Houshang Abbasi, 62, has been brought out by Tehran-based Avaye Kelar Publications.
Ebrahim Pourdavoud (1885-1968) was one of the greatest 20th century contributors to Iranian studies. On the occasion of his death anniversary on November 17, Abbasi’s book paying tribute to the master’s legacy was unveiled and discussed, IBNA reported.
The book comprises five chapters. The first includes a biography of Pourdavoud and a descriptive list of his works.
The second contains 23 articles and commentaries and reflects the multifaceted character of the master, including his being a journalist, which is rarely noted.
The third chapter comprises nine of his articles, and the fourth and fifth are devoted to a series of documents and images about Pourdavoud and his works.
Life and Works
Pourdavoud was the first Iranian scholar who studied the culture of ancient Iran with a modern scientific method.
He is globally known for his extensive studies on Avesta, the Zoroastrian book of antiquity, as well as his research on the civilization of ancient Iran. He translated the Avesta into six Persian volumes.
In 1924, Pourdavoud founded the School of Ancient Languages where he conducted extensive research work on ancient history and ancient Iranian languages, particularly the Avestan language, also known as Zend, one of the eastern Iranian languages within the Indo-European language family.
According to the renowned bibliographer and expert in medieval and modern Persian manuscripts Iraj Afshar (1925-2011), Pourvadoud’s most prominent work is ‘Report on Avesta’
In September 1945, Pourdavoud founded the Iranology Institute, and soon afterwards, the School of Iranology.
“As an Iranologist, my father was always deeply involved in books and articles. Our house was a hub of researchers and students who were learning in his school. Even the regular meetings of the Iranology Institute convened in our house,” Pourdavoud’s daughter Pourandokht was quoted in the book as saying.
“My mother always said, ‘your father’s first love is ancient Iran and his research. It’s you that he loves next; then, his books and then me’,” Pourandokht said.
On the morning of November 17, 1968, his family found him dead behind his desk in his study at home.
