The British Library recently announced that more than 15,000 images from 27 works, from its collection of 11,000 Persian manuscripts, are now available online. The Library’s holding originate from Iran, Central Asia, India and the greater Iranian world, and range in time from the 12th century to recent years, representing most of the traditional fields of humanities and religious studies. Many of the Persian manuscripts are copies of rare texts, with examples of some of the finest illustrated Mughal, Timurid and Safavid paintings. Roshan Cultural Heritage Institute is delighted to support this major initiative to increase access to this extraordinary collection for scholars all over the world.

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This winter, UCLA’s Center for Near Eastern Studies and Program of Iranian Studies are co-hosting a series of presentations as part of the Bilingual Lecture Series on Iran. Distinguished speakers include Dr. Ziba Mir-Hosseini (SOAS, London), Dr. Ahmad Karimi-Hakkak (UMD), Pouran Derakhshandeh, Mary Apick and Parviz Sayyad, Dr. Hashem Pesaran (USC and University of Cambridge), and Dr. Houchang Chehabi (Boston University). The CNES’ Bilingual Lecture Series on Iran was launched in 2002-03 to promote Middle Eastern languages not only as subjects of study but also as vehicles for intellectual communication. The program is organized by Professor Nayereh Tohidi (California State University, Northridge).

In Spring 2014, the Louvre Museum will present two concerts showcasing the beauty of classical and contemporary Persian music. On May 17, vocalist Pantea Alvandipour will interpret classical repertory from the 19th century under the Qajar dynasty, followed by Maede Tabatabai Niya who will perform original works composed by contemporary musician Siamak Jahangiry on May 18. Mr. Jahangiry (ney), Maryam Gharassou (tar lute), Ali Bahrami Fard (santour cithara) and Pasha Karami (percussions) will accompany the singers. This musical program is supported by the Elahé Omidyar Mir-Djalali Fund at the Louvre.

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Iraj Tabibnia, author of “The Story of the Compact of Rostam and Sohrab,” will deliver a series of ten bilingual lectures on The Book of Kings (Sahnameh) at San Jose State University in Fall 2014. The Book of Kings is a masterpiece written by the Persian poet Ferdowsi in which he narrates the mythical story of the Persian Empire. Mr. Tabibnia will bring this national Iranian epic to life through readings, slide presentations and discussions. The lectures will take place at the Martin Luther King Library of SJSU from September to December.

RRoshan Cultural Heritage Institute is pleased to announce that Sahba Shayani is the recipient of Roshan Institute Fellowship for Excellence in Persian Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles, for 2013-2014. Mr. Shayani is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures, working on Persian literature and in particular, 19th century Persian poetess Fatemeh Zarrin-Taj Baraghani.