Persian Heritage Foundation
About Persian Heritage Foundation
Rooted in the visionary work of Professor Ehsan Yarshater, the Persian Heritage Foundation serves the Fresno community and the world as a bridge connecting people to the rich tapestry of Persianate culture. Established in 1983, the Foundation emerged from a deep commitment to documenting and preserving the heritage of the Persianate world—a civilization spanning pre-Islamic and Islamic periods, extending far beyond Iran's borders to include Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Indian Subcontinent, and diaspora communities worldwide. What sets the Persian Heritage Foundation apart is its holistic approach to cultural preservation, encompassing multiple languages, religions, and traditions within a single scholarly framework. Operating as a non-political, non-governmental organization from its Fresno, California location, the Foundation believes that understanding Persian heritage enriches global knowledge and fosters cross-cultural appreciation. The organization works directly with academic institutions, museums, and cultural organizations to support meaningful projects that bring Persian studies to life. Through grants, fellowships, publication projects, and lecture series, the Foundation empowers researchers and artists to explore and share the diverse expressions of Persianate culture. By facilitating the Encyclopedia Iranica—an unprecedented documentation of Persian culture—and publishing critical editions of classical texts alongside contemporary scholarship, the Persian Heritage Foundation in Fresno demonstrates its unwavering dedication to historical authenticity and cultural preservation for future generations.