Following the dissolution of the imperial government in Iran and the ascension of a theocratic regime in 1979, the nascent authority swiftly targeted institutions perceived as symbols of Western influence, leading to the closure of numerous Iranian studies departments in Western universities. These departments, predominantly funded by the Pahlavi Foundation and the former Imperial Iranian government, faced cessation due to ideological misalignment with the new regime. Consequently, the absence of these academic bastions prompted a concerted effort to revitalise Iranian studies in Western academic spheres, culminating in the establishment of the Circle of Ancient Iranian Studies (CAIS) in 1998.

 

Conceived by Shapour Suren-Pahlav and Oric Basirov (Department of Art and Archaeology), CAIS embarked on its academic journey with the aim of resurrecting scholarly discourse surrounding Iranian civilisation, particularly emphasising pre-Islamic heritage. Initially christened "Ancient Iranian Civilisation at the School of Oriental and African Studies" (AIC at SOAS), the institution later adopted the appellation "The Circle of Ancient Iranian Studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies" (CAIS at SOAS) within the University of London's purview. Importantly, CAIS chose to operate independently from its host institution, SOAS, thereby ensuring autonomy in its academic pursuits.

 

As an autonomous and non-partisan educational initiative, CAIS pledges allegiance solely to the pursuit of academic excellence and the preservation of scholarly integrity. Its foundational ethos rests upon the meticulous examination, preservation, and propagation of pre-Islamic Iranian heritage, encompassing diverse facets of art, archaeology, culture, and civilisation. CAIS's mission transcends mere academic discourse; it serves as a beacon for fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Iranian heritage among scholars, students, and enthusiasts worldwide.

 

Central to CAIS's endeavours is the augmentation of existing knowledge pertaining to Iranian civilisation, with a particular emphasis on disseminating contemporary insights derived from ongoing research endeavours. Through its scholarly publications, conferences, and online platforms, CAIS facilitates the exchange of ideas and the dissemination of cutting-edge research findings within the academic community and beyond.

 

While CAIS's nomenclature highlights its focus on ancient Iranian civilisation, its purview extends beyond antiquity to encompass the early Islamic era, designated by CAIS as the 'Post-Sasanian period' or 'Pasā-Sāsānī' in Persian terminology. This expansive chronological framework allows CAIS to explore the evolution of Iranian art, archaeology, culture, and languages within the broader context of "Greater Iran," spanning geographical boundaries from the Far East to the Near East.

 

In its relentless pursuit of scholarly excellence, CAIS maintains a comprehensive online repository housing a wealth of academic resources, including scholarly articles, research papers, and archival materials. This digital platform serves as a testament to CAIS's commitment to democratising access to knowledge and fostering intellectual inquiry in the field of Iranian studies.

 

Thus in line with its core mission, CAIS engages in a spectrum of activities aimed at enriching scholarly discourse and fostering a vibrant intellectual community dedicated to the exploration of Iranian civilisation. These activities include:

 

• Circulation of a daily newsletter highlighting the latest archaeological discoveries and pertinent news from the Iranian world, providing subscribers with a comprehensive overview of ongoing research endeavours and scholarly developments.
• Regular hosting of weekly lectures delivered by scholars of international repute, offering attendees invaluable insights into various facets of Iranian history, archaeology, and culture. These lectures serve as platforms for academic exchange and intellectual dialogue, enriching the academic landscape of the University of London and beyond.
• Facilitation of diverse cultural and scholarly events aimed at promoting the exchange of information regarding Ancient Iran. Through strategic partnerships with major institutions in the United Kingdom and international educational and cultural establishments, CAIS fosters collaborations that amplify the dissemination of knowledge pertaining to the culture and civilisation of the Ancient Iranian Peoples.
• Provision of comprehensive reports on recently-completed or ongoing fieldwork and new research initiatives, ensuring that the academic community remains abreast of the latest developments in Iranian studies. These reports serve as invaluable resources for scholars, students, and enthusiasts seeking to deepen their understanding of Iranian heritage.
• Organisation of weekly workshops designed to cater to the interests and aspirations of aspiring scholars and students. These workshops offer participants a platform for hands-on learning, critical analysis, and scholarly engagement, nurturing the next generation of experts in the field of Iranian studies.

Through these multifaceted initiatives, CAIS remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing knowledge, fostering academic excellence, and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Ancient Iran.