The Tree of Knowledge

Few people involved with Persian literature and history in recent decades have not heard of Professor Dr. Abdolhossein Zarrinkoub or benefited from his works. Zarrinkoub is undoubtedly one of the most renowned contemporary researchers, possessing great mastery and expertise in history, mysticism, literary criticism, and Persian literature. For over fifty years, he has diligently served science and literature and has been a diligent guardian of Iran’s cultural heritage. His passion and commitment to teaching and research are so profound that no other work satisfies him, and he considers no profession nobler than this. However, the teaching of Professor Zarrinkoub was not confined to classrooms; wherever and whenever he saw a capable and deserving researcher, he readily offered assistance and guidance, sharing what he knew. Since 1962, alongside his teaching at the University of Tehran, Dr. Zarrinkoub taught at universities in India, Pakistan, Oxford, the Sorbonne, Princeton, and others. During these activities, he developed an interest in the science of nations and sects and issues related to theology, literary criticism, and history, authoring valuable works in these fields. Toward the end of his life, Dr. Zarrinkoub focused on studying, researching, and teaching subjects in mysticism, religions, and history. Dozens of books and hundreds of articles are the result of his valuable research over the past fifty years.