Books in the International Library of Iranian Studies series

A comprehensive anthology of texts to do justice to modern Iranian political thought, containing many crucially important texts in English. This work emphasises on questions of gender and Sufism in Iran. Covering the last hundred years of Iranian history, this book introduces some of the most crucial political and religious texts of the period.

Under the Safavids (1501-1736 CE), Persia adopted Shi'ism as its official religion. The author explains how and why this specific brand of Shi'ism - urban and legally-based - was brought to the region by leading Arab 'Ulama from Ottoman Syria, and changed the face of the region till this day.

The state of women in Islamic societies is the subject of much interest and heated debate, even as representations in the media rely on inadequate information and misperceptions. This title disputes the widespread stereotypes about Muslim women prevalent in the West, providing an account of young women in contemporary Iran.

To understand contemporary Iran's politics, it is essential first to grasp the monumental changes initiated by Mohammad Khatami. This book offers a systematic analysis of Khatami the man and the reform movement that supported him. It provides a comprehensive introduction to the subtleties of contemporary Iran's political culture.

The Qashqa'i nomads are migrant pastoralists. This book documents their difficult livelihoods and lifestyles, their society and culture, and explains how this Turkic-speaking group relates to the wider Iranian society and the Islamic Republic. Focusing on a group of women, it shows how they adapt to a changing world while retaining tribal values.

The Sasanians were the last of the ancient Persian dynasties, and the preeminent practitioners of the Zoroastrian religion. This book provides an account of Sasanian Persia. It offers an examination of a period of history that still has great significance for a full understanding of modern Iran.

Post-revolutionary Iranian cinema has gained the attention of international audiences. Featuring a history of Iranian cinema, this book presents an argument that embedded within mainstream Iranian films, we find themes and characterisations which reveal the political contexts of their time which express the ideological underpinnings of a society.

A timely reassessment of mutual cultural perceptions between Iran and the West.

This important and authoritative new book explores all the many different facets of the Revolution, drawing on newly available sources as well as cutting edge research from around the globe to present a definitive account.

By the end of the nineteenth century it became evident to Iran's ruling Qajar elite that the state's contribution to the promotion of modern education in the country was unable to meet the growing expectations set by Iranian society. This book assesses the 'forgotten schools'.

Presents a study of the social and political circumstances of late 19th-century Iran. This book examines the difficult relationships between the secular and Islamic elites, the impact on Isfahan of the pivotal Tobacco Protests in 1890-92, open trade wars against the British, suspicion of the Jews, persecution of local Babis and Bahais, and more.

Examines how revolutionary ideologies function, and applies these insights to the Quran and its interpreters in the vanguard of the Iranian revolution. This book delineates the different ways in which the Quran was used to mobilise action in 1979, and in so doing provides a context for understanding Islamist movements.