Encyclopædia Iranica: History, Organization, 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 thousands 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.
- Digital Access: Free full-text entries available up to fascicle XVI/3 via iranicaonline.org.
Organizational Structure and Staff
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 long-term commitment from tenured editors such as Ahmad Ashraf, Christopher Brunner, Habib Borjian, Kioumars Ghereghlou, Manuchehr Kasheff, Dagmar Riedel, and Houra Yavari. By 2016, the project had grown to include contributions from more than 1,300 scholars globally.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
The Encyclopædia Iranica Foundation (EIF)
To ensure the longevity and promotion of the work, Ehsan Yarshater established the Encyclopædia Iranica Foundation (EIF) in 1990. For many years, a collaborative relationship existed where the EIF provided substantial sponsorship while the Center for Iranian Studies at Columbia University—also founded by Yarshater—handled the coordination and editing of the volumes.
A key mission of the EIF has been increasing accessibility. This is evidenced by the availability of free full-text entries on the official website, iranicaonline.org, covering content up to fascicle XVI/3.
| Entity/Role | Key Figure/Organization | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|
| Founding Editor | Ehsan Yarshater | Established the project in 1973 |
| Current Leadership | Elton Daniel | Editor-in-Chief |
| Sponsorship | Encyclopædia Iranica Foundation | Funding and promotion |
| Coordination | Columbia University Center for Iranian Studies | Editing and management |
Legal Disputes and Resolution
Following the retirement of Ehsan Yarshater as director of the Center for Iranian Studies in 2016, a significant legal conflict arose between Columbia University and the EIF. The dispute centered on Columbia's decision to unilaterally contract with the academic publisher Brill to publish fascicles 4 and 5 of volume XVI in 2018 and 2019.
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. In response, the EIF countersued Columbia, Brill, and Elton Daniel, alleging copyright breach, trademark infringement, conversion of property, and unfair competition.
The U.S. District Court in the Southern District of New York briefly intervened on July 31, 2020, granting a temporary restraining order that prevented the publication of additional fascicles until October 8, 2020. However, a preliminary injunction was not granted, and Columbia and Brill proceeded to publish fascicle XVI/6 on October 19, 2020.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
Conflicting Records of Publication
The legal battle led to discrepancies in the official record of the encyclopedia. Columbia University published fascicles XVI/4 through XVI/6, covering topics from "Kešaʾi Dialect" to "Khorasan XIV". Conversely, the EIF maintained that volume XVI should only cover topics between KA and KE, labeling Columbia's later fascicles as "counterfeit." This dispute remained a point of contention until June 1, 2023, when the Encyclopædia Iranica Foundation and Columbia University reached a settlement with undisclosed terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the Encyclopædia Iranica?
The encyclopedia was founded in 1973 by Ehsan Yarshater, who served as its editor until 2017.
How can I access the entries of the encyclopedia?
Many entries, specifically up to fascicle XVI/3, are available for free through the official website at iranicaonline.org.
What was the cause of the lawsuit between Columbia University and the EIF?
The dispute began when Columbia University entered into a publishing contract with Brill without the EIF's agreement, leading to conflicting claims over copyright and trademark ownership.
Is the legal dispute between the EIF and Columbia University still ongoing?
No, the lawsuit was settled on June 1, 2023, although the specific terms of the settlement were not disclosed to the public.
How many scholars have contributed to the project?
As of 2016, more than 1,300 scholars from around the world have contributed articles to the encyclopedia.