Encyclopædia Iranica: History, Governance, and Legal Evolution
The Encyclopædia Iranica stands as a monumental scholarly effort dedicated to the comprehensive documentation of Iranian studies. Since its inception, it has served as a critical resource for researchers and historians worldwide, synthesizing vast amounts of knowledge through the contributions of a global network of experts.
Key Facts
- Founding Editor: Ehsan Yarshater (1973–2017).
- Current Editor-in-Chief: Elton Daniel.
- Contributor Base: Over 1,300 scholars worldwide as of 2016.
- Governing Body: The Encyclopædia Iranica Foundation (EIF), established in 1990.
- Academic Partnership: Historically coordinated by Columbia University's Center for Iranian Studies.
Organizational Structure and Staffing
The project was launched in 1973 under the leadership of Ehsan Yarshater, who served as the founding editor for over four decades. Today, the publication is led by Editor-in-Chief Elton Daniel. The editorial process is supported by a robust board including Mohsen Ashtiany and Mahnaz Moazami, alongside more than 40 consulting editors from prestigious international research institutions.
The encyclopedia's depth is a result of massive collaborative effort. By 2016, more than 1,300 scholars had contributed articles. The project has also been shaped by long-tenured editors such as Ahmad Ashraf, Christopher Brunner, Habib Borjian, Kioumars Ghereghlou, Manuchehr Kasheff, Dagmar Riedel, and Houra Yavari.
The Encyclopædia Iranica Foundation (EIF)
To ensure the long-term viability and promotion of the work, Ehsan Yarshater established the Encyclopædia Iranica Foundation (EIF) in 1990. While the EIF provided substantial sponsorship and financial backing, the actual coordination and editing were handled by the Center for Iranian Studies at Columbia University, another institution founded by Yarshater.
In an effort to make scholarly knowledge accessible, the foundation provides free full-text access to many entries (up to fascicle XVI/3) via the official website, iranicaonline.org. A fascicle in this context refers to a separate installment or section of a larger published work.
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Legal Disputes and Resolution
Following Yarshater's retirement from the Center for Iranian Studies in 2016, a significant legal conflict arose between Columbia University and the EIF. The dispute centered on Columbia's unilateral decision to contract with the academic publisher Brill to release fascicles 4 and 5 of volume XVI in 2018 and 2019, a move the EIF formally protested.
In 2019, the conflict escalated into litigation. Columbia University sued the EIF to determine that the foundation held no copyright or exclusive trademark rights to the encyclopedia. The EIF countersued, alleging that Columbia, Brill, and Elton Daniel had committed copyright infringement, trademark dilution, conversion of property, and unfair competition.
The legal battle saw a temporary restraining order issued by the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of New York on July 31, 2020, which briefly halted the publication of additional fascicles. However, this order expired on October 8, 2020, and Columbia and Brill subsequently published fascicle XVI/6 on October 19, 2020.
Conflicting Records of Publication
The dispute led to discrepancies in the official record of the encyclopedia's progress. Columbia University maintains that it has published fascicles XVI/4 through XVI/6, covering topics from "Kešaʾi Dialect" to "Khorasan XIV". Conversely, the EIF asserts that volume XVI only covers topics between KA and KE, labeling the later fascicles as "counterfeit".
This period of instability concluded on June 1, 2023, when the Encyclopædia Iranica Foundation and Columbia University reached a settlement to resolve their lawsuit under undisclosed terms.
Summary of Organizational Roles
| Entity | Primary Role | Key Contribution/Function |
|---|---|---|
| Ehsan Yarshater | Founder & Former Editor | Established the project and the EIF. |
| EIF | Foundation | Sponsorship, promotion, and digital access. |
| Columbia University | Academic Partner | Coordination and editing via the Center for Iranian Studies. |
| Brill | Publisher | Academic publishing of specific fascicles. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current editor-in-chief of Encyclopædia Iranica?
The current editor-in-chief is Elton Daniel.
How many scholars have contributed to the encyclopedia?
As of 2016, over 1,300 scholars from around the world have contributed articles to the project.
What is the purpose of the Encyclopædia Iranica Foundation?
Established in 1990 by Ehsan Yarshater, the foundation serves to promote the encyclopedia and ensure its continued existence and funding.
Where can the public access the encyclopedia's entries?
Many entries, up to fascicle XVI/3, are available for free on the official website, iranicaonline.org.
What was the outcome of the legal battle between Columbia University and the EIF?
The two parties settled their lawsuit on June 1, 2023, although the specific terms of the settlement were not disclosed to the public.