The Simurgh Statue of BookCity Awarded to Rasoul Jafarian

In a ceremony held on 16th Dey 1403 (January 6, 2024) at the Khabar Online news agency, the BookCity Institute awarded its artistic Simurgh Statue to Rasoul Jafarian, a towering figure in Iranian bibliography and cultural studies. This event celebrated Jafarian’s profound contributions to scholarship and his written works, honoring a man whose life has been dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and the preservation of culture.

Ali JafarAbadi, the deputy director of BookCity, presented the statue, symbolizing not just an award but a recognition of Jafarian’s relentless dedication to books, culture, and intellectual thought. The event, attended by prominent cultural and intellectual figures, was a testament to the power of ideas and the role of institutions like BookCity in fostering a vibrant intellectual community.

The Simurgh Statue, a masterpiece crafted by Hossein PourSheikh, a renowned Iranian sculptor, is more than an award—it’s a symbol of BookCity’s mission to honor those who elevate the culture of reading and thought. It represents the soaring spirit of knowledge, much like the mythical Simurgh, a bird that transcends boundaries and unites the past with the future.

The ceremony, titled “A Seeker of the Past, Concerned for the Future,” was not just about honoring Jafarian but also about unveiling his latest book, “Horizons of Wisdom in the Sphere of Islamic Civilization.” Compiled by Hamed Zare, the book delves into Jafarian’s insights on history, bibliography, religious thought, his managerial experiences in specialized libraries, and his perspectives on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

Zare aptly describes Jafarian as a “bibliographer, bibliophile, and bibliosophist”—a man who not only understands the intricacies of books but also generously shares his research findings and archival resources with others. This spirit of openness and generosity is what makes Jafarian a true champion of knowledge.

Rasoul Jafarian, a prolific researcher, historian, and cultural scholar, is renowned for his extensive works on Islamic and Iranian history. His contributions span fields such as manuscript studies, librarianship, academic writing, and university teaching, making him a cornerstone of Iran’s intellectual landscape.