Department of Iranian religions

As one of the departments of the Faculty of Religions, the department of Iranian religions offers one doctoral program: “Iranian religions”. Students can do their PhD studies in this field through either of the two available methods: research-oriented or combined method (i.e., research and coursework). Previously, “Iranian religions” was one of the majors offered in the department of non-Abrahamic religions. However, both the importance of this major and the presence of faculty members and experts of this area from around the world and their willingness to teach led to creation of a separate department called “Iranian religions”. The head of the department is Dr. Mohammad Shokri Foumeshi.

The courses and content offered by the department of Iranian religions focus on understanding Iranian religions, especially Zoroastrianism and Manichaeism. The aim is to teach and study these religions from historical, educational, and linguistic perspectives. In particular, research methodology of Iranian religions studies is also taught to the students. The topics presented in this major include the history of ancient Iran, Pahlavi language, the Avestan language, and the pre-Islamic Zoroastrian religion.