Shahbazi to speak at Iran series in London this June

Published: March 29, 2004

by C.J. Gish
Media and publication writer
University Advancement
541-962-3585 / fax 541-962-3680

Dr. A. Shapur Shahbazi

La Grande, Oregon – For the second time this year, Eastern Oregon University history professor Dr. A. Shapur Shahbazi’s knowledge of his home country of Iran and the Middle East has led to a prestigious speaking engagement.

On June 17, Shahbazi will be the final speaker for a six-part series entitled “The Idea of Iran: From Eurasian Steppe to Persian Empire” at the London Middle East Institute at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) on the University of London campus.

The University of London asked the six most respected international scholars to give a series of lectures, wrote Dr. Sarah Stewart, the director of the series. “We wanted Shahbazi to have the last lecture, bring everything to a nice ending and have discussion for the whole series,” said Stewart.

Originally Stewart asked for Shahbazi to come in early June, but, because of (EOU) graduation, he will depart on June 14.

Shahbazi’s lecture will be “On the Origins and Development of the Idea of Iran.” The five other scholars who will present lectures include Dan Potts, the department of Archaeology chair at the University of Sydney; Dr. Frantz Grenet, Director of the Franco-Uzbek Archaeological Mission in Paris; Dr. John Curtis, an archeologist from the Department of the Ancient Near East at The British Museum; Dr. Pierre Briant from the College of France; and Dr. Ab de Jong.

“There is a new awareness of Iranian culture and Middle East importance right now,” said Shahbazi. “That they have chosen a professor from EOU is a good sign that our institution is being internationally acknowledged.”

Shahbazi, who has been teaching history at EOU since 1985, was recently interviewed for a British Broadcasting Corporation radio program in January. The documentary/commentary entitled “Persepolis Regained” focused on the archeological treasure of Persepolis in Iran and will be aired on BBC Radio 3 in the Sunday feature slot on May 16 from 9:30 – 10:15 p.m. BST (1:30 – 2:15 p.m. PST).

Contact Information

University Advancement Eastern Oregon University One University Boulevard La Grande, OR 97850 phone 541.962.3740 fax 541.962.3680 email University Advancement