2009 Farhang Heritage Award Honoree

Dr. Ehsan Yarshater

Farhang Foundation proudly honored Professor Ehsan Yarshater with the inaugural Farhang Heritage Award in 2009. As the esteemed director of the Center for Iranian Studies and Hagop Kevorkian Professor Emeritus of Iranian Studies at Columbia University, Dr. Yarshater's impact on Persian scholarship is unparalleled.

Central to his legacy is the creation and stewardship of the Encyclopaedia Iranica, a monumental scholarly achievement spanning three decades. This comprehensive work stands as a cornerstone in chronicling and preserving Persian heritage, offering invaluable insights into Iran's history, culture, and language.

Dr. Yarshater's scholarly contributions are equally profound, with notable works including "Persian Poetry in the Second Half of the 15th Century" (1953) and "Southern Tati Dialects" (1970). His editorial prowess is evident in his stewardship of critical volumes such as the third volume of the Cambridge History of Iran, which covers the Seleucid, Parthian, and Sasanian periods, and his editorship of "Persian Literature" (1988).

Beyond his publications, Dr. Yarshater's commitment to advancing Iranian studies is manifest in his role as General Editor of the 40-volume Tabari Translation Project and as the founder of the Persian Text Series, Persian Heritage Series, and Iranian Studies Series. His influence extends globally through lecture series named in his honor at prestigious institutions including Harvard University, the University of London, and the University of California, Los Angeles, underscoring his status as a transformative figure in Iranian scholarship.

Farhang Foundation's recognition of Professor Ehsan Yarshater with the Farhang Heritage Award celebrates his lifelong dedication to Iranian culture and scholarship. His visionary leadership and scholarly achievements continue to inspire generations of researchers and enthusiasts worldwide, ensuring a vibrant future for the study and appreciation of Iranian heritage.