Encyclopaedia Islamica: A Comprehensive Resource for Islamic and Iranian Studies
The Encyclopaedia Islamica serves as a critical academic bridge between Persian scholarship and the global English-speaking research community. Published by Brill, this ambitious project provides an extensive examination of Islamic and Iranian studies, blending translated expertise with original scholarly contributions.
The Foundation: Dā'erat-ol-Ma'āref-e Bozorg-e Eslāmi
The roots of the project lie in the Dā'erat-ol-Ma'āref-e Bozorg-e Eslāmi (The Great Islamic Encyclopaedia), a massive Persian-language undertaking. Established in 1983 in Teheran, the Center for the Great Islamic Encyclopedia was created to form a scientific committee dedicated to the project's oversight. Under the leadership of Kazem Mousavi-Bojnourdi, this initiative has become a vital resource for Persian-speaking scholars, particularly due to its comprehensive coverage of Shia Islam.
The scale of the Persian project is immense. As of 2016, the work had reached its 22nd completed volume and was progressing through the ninth letter of the Persian alphabet.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The English Translation and Expansion
The English-language Encyclopaedia Islamica is a curated translation of selected articles from the Persian original. However, it is more than a simple translation; it is supplemented by additional articles written in English by scholars from the Institute of Ismaili Studies.
Edited by Farhad Daftary and Wilferd Madelung, the English edition began publication in 2008. It is specifically designed for scholars and advanced graduate students who require meticulous documentation for their research. The project is projected to span 16 volumes, with an expected completion date in 2028.
Key Facts
- Publisher: Brill
- ISBN: 9789004161214
- Language: English
- English Edition Timeline: Started in 2008; expected completion in 2028.
- Scope: 16 projected volumes for the English translation.
- Core Source: Based on the Persian Dā'erat-ol-Ma'āref-e Bozorg-e Eslāmi.
- Editors: Farhad Daftary and Wilferd Madelung.
Publication Summary
| Feature | Persian Edition (Dā'erat-ol-Ma'āref-e Bozorg-e Eslāmi) | English Edition (Encyclopaedia Islamica) |
|---|---|---|
| Start Date | 1983 | 2008 |
| Lead/Editors | Kazem Mousavi-Bojnourdi | Farhad Daftary and Wilferd Madelung |
| Current Status (approx.) | 22 volumes (as of 2016) | 5 volumes (current) |
| Projected Length | Ongoing | 16 volumes |
| Primary Focus | Comprehensive Islamic/Shia studies | Selected translations and Ismaili studies |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the relationship between the Persian and English versions?
The English Encyclopaedia Islamica consists of selected articles translated from the Persian Dā'erat-ol-Ma'āref-e Bozorg-e Eslāmi, with additional original English content provided by the Institute of Ismaili Studies.
Who is the intended audience for the English edition?
The publication is intended for scholars and advanced graduate students who need highly detailed and meticulously documented information.
When is the English version expected to be finished?
The project began in 2008 and is expected to be completed by 2028.
Who leads the Persian-language project?
The Persian project has been led by Kazem Mousavi-Bojnourdi since the establishment of the Center for the Great Islamic Encyclopedia in 1983.
Which specific area of Islam is heavily covered in the Persian source?
The Persian-language project is noted for providing comprehensive coverage of Shia Islam.