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Special Project
40 years of investigation: the secrets revealed of Shah Tahmasp's Shâhnâmè
At Menart Fair, embark on a journey through time as you witness the reconstruction of the Book of Kings, a priceless Persian artifact. Explore its rich and intricate history via exclusive archival materials, and be among the first to view a short documentary that chronicles the dedicated efforts of Dr. Faridany-Akhavan.
Detail of Scanned folio - Sohrab fights Gordafarid (f. 143r).  Original work created c. 1524-1540 in Tabriz, Iran
Image courtesy of the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art
In a world premiere event, art historian Dr. Zahra Faridany-Akhavan* will showcase the fruits of her four decades of research by presenting a historical reconstruction of Shah Tahmasp's Shahnameh, Iran's most iconic "Book of Kings”.

Dr. Zahra Faridany-Akhavan

Dr. Zahra Faridany-Akhavan conducting her research.
Ticketing

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THE MOST OUTSTANDING EDITION
Composed in the 11th century by Persian poet Ferdowsi, the Shahnameh, or Book of Kings, is a 50,000-verse epic that recounts the legendary history of ancient Iran.
This monumental work has been the subject of numerous editions, but none is as remarkable as the one produced for Shah Tahmasp I, who reigned from 1524 to 1576. Adorned with 258 breathtaking illuminated watercolor illustrations, this manuscript stands as a testament to the pinnacle of Safavid painting (1501-1736) and is considered a masterpiece of Persian art.



Detail of Scanned folio - Siyavash Plays Polo before Afrasiyab (f. 180v). Original work created c. 1524-1540 in Tabriz, Iran.
Image courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art






THE COMPLETE MANUSCRIPT
Once celebrated as one of history's most beautiful illuminated manuscripts, its pages were tragically scattered to the four corners of the world. For forty years, art historian Dr. Zahra Faridany-Akhavan has been on a quest to unravel the enigma of this masterpiece. Her relentless search for the lost folios has culminated in the complete reconstruction of the manuscript in its most spectacular state, revealing its original context and significance during the Safavid period.
 
Detail of Scanned folio - The Fire Ordeal of Siyavash (f.166r). Original work created c. 1524-1540 in Tabriz, Iran.
Image courtesy of the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art




* Dr. Zahra Faridany-Akhavan is an Iranian-British expert in Islamic, Persian, and Mughal art, with a particular focus on restoring ancient manuscripts. She has spent over forty years studying the Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasb, a renowned Persian illustrated manuscript.
She holds degrees from Wellesley College and Harvard University and is currently writing books about the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art and the Shahnameh. 

Lecture

Friday, Septembre 20th at 3:30 PM
(Menart Fair, booth S7)
with the support & participation of
Rug Entertainment production company



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Menart Fair expresses its gratitude to its partners for their support
Previous Newsletters
- Women artists from the MENA regions (Middle East, North Africa) at the forefront
- Tribute to Women Artists from MENA regions
- Women's voices out at Menart Fair
- Menart Fair : A Boutique Art Fair
- 100 artists from the Arabo-Persian world at Menart Fair
- Feminine Insights: The Ascending Art of MENA
Menart Fair practical Information
Dates
Friday 20 September 2024: noon to 8pm
Saturday 21 September 2024: noon to 7pm
Sunday 22 September 2024: noon to 7pm

Access
5 rue Saint Merri – 75004 Paris
Galerie Joseph

Rate
10 €
Free for under-26s
Press & Collectors' Preview
Thursday 19 September 2024, from 3pm to 10pm

VIP opening

Thursday 19 September 2024, from 6pm to 10pm

Exclusive VIP access
Friday 20 to sunday 22, from 11am to noon


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