سخن آغازین: ایرج افشار در سپهر فرهنگ ایران زمین

Iraj Afshar (1304–1390 SH / 1925-2011 AD) was a foremost contemporary Iranologists and a key figure in advancing the systematic development of Iranian bibliography and documentary studies. His work in manuscript studies, cataloguing, subject bibliography, textual criticism, and the cultural history of Iran significantly contributed to the shaping of the infrastructure of Modern Iranian studies. Through his collaborations with libraries and research institutions, extensive scholarly travels within Iran and abroad, and active engagement with the global community of Iranologists, Afshar continually expanded the intellectual horizons of his scholarship. His background in librarianship and manuscript studies led him to adopt a distinctly “source-oriented” approach to Iranian studies—one grounded in primary documents—which subsequently established a reputation for scholarly rigor in the field. A substantial portion of his oeuvre appeared as subject-specific and regional bibliographies, and he was also a pioneer in cataloguing Persian manuscripts both in Iran and abroad. Equally noteworthy was his dedication to the critical editing of historical and literary texts. His editions, particularly of local and lesser-known texts, greatly enriched the study of Iran’s cultural and regional history and demonstrated that Iranian studies extends well beyond the canon of classical texts. Afshar also played a crucial role in the administration and development of Iran’s major libraries, contributing to disseminate modern standards of academic librarianship. His efforts in systematizing manuscript and printed collections, creating precise catalogues, and facilitating researchers’ access to primary sources have left a lasting institutional impact. Additionally, he was actively involved in establishing and maintaining specialized journals in Iranian studies, shaping the scholarly landscape through his articles, manuscript introductions, and critical book reviews. His correspondence and collaboration with leading Iranologists worldwide helped expand the study of Iran within and beyond its borders, fostering greater intellectual convergence. In addition to his contributions to the broader history of Iran, Afshar focused on highlighting local cultures, cities, and regions. By publishing sources relating to Yazd, Kerman, Khorasan, and other provinces, he prompted a more diverse and inclusive perspective in Iranian studies, shifting it away from a strictly centralized one, and gave substantial impetus to “regional Iranian studies”— in the broader cultural and anthropological study of the country. Most importantly, his work underscored the inherently interdisciplinary nature of Iranian studies, showcasing how history, literature, geography, art, and sociology are inextricably intertwined and essential to a comprehensive understanding of the subject.