Encyclopædia Iranica: History, Organization, and Legal Evolution
The Encyclopædia Iranica stands as a monumental scholarly effort dedicated to the comprehensive study of Iranian civilization. Since its inception, it has served as a primary resource for researchers and historians worldwide, synthesizing vast amounts of data into a structured academic reference.
Key Facts
- Founding Editor: Ehsan Yarshater (1973–2017).
- Current Editor-in-Chief: Elton Daniel.
- Contributor Base: Over 1,300 scholars globally as of 2016.
- Governing Body: The Encyclopædia Iranica Foundation (EIF), established in 1990.
- Digital Access: Free full-text entries (up to fascicle XVI/3) are available 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 representing prestigious international research institutions specializing in Iranian studies.
The encyclopedia's depth is a result of extensive collaboration. By 2016, more than 1,300 scholars from around the world 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.
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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. For many years, a symbiotic relationship existed between the EIF and Columbia University's Center for Iranian Studies (also founded by Yarshater). While the Center handled the coordination and editing of the encyclopedia, the EIF provided the necessary financial sponsorship to sustain the project.
In an effort to make scholarly knowledge accessible, the foundation provides free online access to the full text of numerous entries, specifically those up to fascicle XVI/3, through its official website.
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 began when Columbia University unilaterally contracted with the academic publisher Brill to publish fascicles 4 and 5 of volume XVI in 2018 and 2019, a move protested by the EIF.
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 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 defendants from publishing additional fascicles until October 8, 2020. However, a preliminary injunction was not granted, and fascicle XVI/6 was subsequently published on October 19, 2020.
This dispute led to conflicting records regarding the encyclopedia's contents. Columbia published fascicles XVI/4 through XVI/6 (covering topics from "Kešaʾi Dialect" to "Khorasan XIV"), while the EIF maintained that volume XVI should only cover topics between KA and KE, labeling Columbia's additions as "counterfeit fascicles." This legal battle concluded on June 1, 2023, when the Encyclopædia Iranica Foundation and Columbia University reached a settlement with undisclosed terms.
Summary of Organizational Roles
| Entity | Primary Role | Key Contribution/Action |
|---|---|---|
| Ehsan Yarshater | Founding Editor | Established the project and the EIF. |
| EIF | Foundation | Sponsorship, promotion, and digital distribution. |
| Columbia University | Academic Center | Coordination and editing via the Center for Iranian Studies. |
| Brill | Publisher | Published specific fascicles during the legal dispute. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current editor-in-chief of Encyclopædia Iranica?
The current editor-in-chief is Elton Daniel.
How can I access the entries of the encyclopedia for free?
The Encyclopædia Iranica Foundation provides free full-text access to entries up to fascicle XVI/3 on the website iranicaonline.org.
What was the cause of the legal dispute between Columbia University and the EIF?
The dispute was triggered by Columbia University's decision to unilaterally contract with the publisher Brill to publish certain fascicles, leading to disagreements over copyright and trademark ownership.
When was the legal conflict between the EIF and Columbia University resolved?
The two parties settled their lawsuit on June 1, 2023, under undisclosed terms.
How many scholars have contributed to the project?
As of 2016, over 1,300 scholars from around the world have contributed articles to the encyclopedia.