How to Cite: R. Gholami (2026), "Iranian Studies as 'Technography': A Critique of the Austrian Academy of Sciences Publications," J. Iran. Cult. Stud., Pub. online: May 28. Available at: https://wisdomhouse.at/journal
Executive Summary: This critique argues that the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) publications in Iranian Studies operate as a specialist archive (“technography”) rather than a center for civilizational understanding, suffering from "epistemic atomism." Through a Gadamerian lens, the author highlights three structural gaps: a "map without a center" that neglects core political and philosophical traditions, an absolute silence on Iranian Islam and Twelver Shi’ism, and a unilateral monologue that excludes living Iranian inheritors (e.g., Iraj Afshar). To achieve true scholarly understanding, the ÖAW must shift from "technique to thinking" by adopting a civilizational framework, embracing interdisciplinary approaches, and engaging in genuine dialogue with internal Iranian scholars.
Upload Date: May 28, 2026, 14:00 pm
Article Title: Iranistische Tradition in Österreich (Iranian Tradition in Austria)
How to Cite: N. Rastegar (2026), "Iranistische Tradition in Österreich (Iranian Tradition in Austria)," J. Iran. Cult. Stud., Pub. online: May 28. Available at: https://wisdomhouse.at/journal
English Summary: This article outlines the history and institutionalization of Iranian studies in Austria from the 12th century to 2002. It traces how European contact with the Orient during the Crusades and Habsburg-Safavid diplomatic ties intensified the need for Persian language acquisition. The field was institutionalized with Vienna's Sprachknaben-Institut (1674) and Maria Theresa's imperial Oriental Academy (1754). A major milestone was Joseph von Hammer-Purgstall’s 1812 translation of Hafiz’s Diwan, which profoundly inspired Goethe. From the 19th century onward, Austrian Iranology branched into Indo-European linguistics, ancient philology, and text preservation across universities in Vienna, Graz, and Salzburg. Today, the Austrian Academy of Sciences' Commission for Iranian Studies continues this tradition through major research projects like the Iranian Personal Name Book.
