Elton L. Daniel: A Distinguished Career in Iranology and Middle Eastern History
The study of Iranian history and culture requires a deep commitment to linguistic precision and historical context. Elton L. Daniel, a prominent American historian and Iranologist—a specialist in the languages, culture, and history of Iran—has dedicated his career to preserving and analyzing the rich heritage of the Middle East.
Academic Foundation and Teaching Career
Daniel's academic journey began with rigorous training, culminating in a doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin in 1978. This foundation paved the way for a long-standing tenure in academia. From 1981 until his retirement in 2011, he served as a professor of Middle Eastern and Islamic History at the University of Hawaiʻi, where he helped shape the understanding of the region for generations of students.
Leadership in Iranian Studies
Beyond the classroom, Daniel has held pivotal leadership roles in the global effort to document Iranian civilization. He currently serves as the director of the Ehsan Yarshater Center for Iranian Studies at Columbia University. In addition to this role, he is the editor-in-chief of the Encyclopaedia Iranica, a comprehensive scholarly project dedicated to the study of Iran and the Iranian world.
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Research and Literary Contributions
Daniel's expertise is grounded in extensive field research and travel. He has conducted scholarly investigations across several key regions, including Iran, Turkey, Syria, Egypt, France, and the United Kingdom. This international perspective informs his numerous publications on Iranian history.
Among his diverse body of work, Daniel is noted for his revised translation of Alchemy of Happiness by Al-Ghazali, a seminal work of Islamic philosophy and spirituality.
Key Facts
- Specialization: American historian and Iranologist.
- Education: PhD from the University of Texas at Austin (1978).
- Academic Tenure: Professor at the University of Hawaiʻi from 1981 to 2011.
- Current Roles: Director of the Ehsan Yarshater Center for Iranian Studies and Editor-in-Chief of Encyclopaedia Iranica.
- Notable Work: Revised translation of Al-Ghazali's Alchemy of Happiness.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Field | Iranology and Middle Eastern History |
| Doctoral Degree | University of Texas at Austin (1978) |
| Former Institution | University of Hawaiʻi (1981–2011) |
| Current Affiliation | Columbia University |
| Research Regions | Iran, Turkey, Syria, Egypt, France, UK |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Elton L. Daniel?
Elton L. Daniel is an American historian and Iranologist known for his extensive work in Middle Eastern and Islamic history.
What is the Encyclopaedia Iranica?
It is a scholarly encyclopedia dedicated to the study of Iran and the Iranian world, for which Elton L. Daniel serves as the editor-in-chief.
Where did Elton L. Daniel teach?
He was a professor of Middle Eastern and Islamic History at the University of Hawaiʻi from 1981 until his retirement in 2011.
What is the Ehsan Yarshater Center for Iranian Studies?
Located at Columbia University, this center is dedicated to the study of Iranian civilization, and it is currently directed by Elton L. Daniel.
Which translation is Elton L. Daniel known for?
He is recognized for producing a revised translation of Al-Ghazali's work, Alchemy of Happiness.