Welcome
Founded in 1935, The Iran Society acts as a gathering point for those who are interested in Iran's heritage and culture. It is strictly non-political. Its object is to promote learning and advance education in the subject of Iran, its peoples and culture and particularly to advance education through the study of language, literature, art, history, religions, antiquities, usages, institutions and customs of Iran. The Society's principal activities comprise seven lectures a year on a wide range of subjects, publication of occasional monographs, an annual study day (e.g. on Persian carpets or manuscripts), publication of the Society's journal and an annual reception for members and guests.
Lectures
The Iran Society offers a range of lectures over the course of the year.
Our next lecture will be on Wednesday 19 May 2010.
The historical journey of Shii philosophy, from Muhammad to 21st century Iran.
Ahab Bdaiwi (PhD student of Islamic philosophy at Exeter University and Iran Society travel scholar 2009)
Lectures Programme ...
Events
Find out more about our events schedule. Our next event will be our AGM on 23rd June 2010 at 6.00 pm followed by 'The life and times of Muhammad Mossadeq'.
Christopher de Bellaigue (Journalist and Historian)
Events Programme ...
Journal
In 2002 the Iran Society re-launched its Journal which had ceased publication in 1954. The 2008 edition includes a number of book reviews, articles on British diplomatic dispatches from Iran in the late 19th century and during the war in 1915 and two of the lectures given to the society during the year. View Journals ...
The first sixty five years
Although considerable public interest in Persia (as Iran was officially known in the West until 1935) was stimulated by Nasir ud-Din Shah's State Visit to Britain in 1873 and by G.N. (later Lord) Curzon's monumental two volumes on Persia published in 1892 it was not until 1909 that British friends of the country formed two Persia Committees Read More ...