
He received his first calligraphy lessons from his father at the age of six. At the age of seventeen he moved to America where he studied fine arts and received degrees in ‘painting’ and ‘visual communication’ from the University of Kansas. After a few years of teaching art at universities in Tehran and Isfahan, he moved to India where he studied Hinduism, Buddhism and Islamic art of India. There he got engaged in few large-scale art projects and have produced huge mural works.
His journeys along the Silk Road have had a deep impact on his artworks. In 1995 he was awarded the prestigious Hirayama Fellowship by UNESCO and has traveled many times along an important sector of this historical road comprising Iran, Pakistan, India, Nepal, China and Japan to carry out a research on “The Evolution of Islamic Calligraphy & the Evolution Buddhist Iconography along the Silk Roads”.
Professor Zekrgoo is a scholar of art of international repute. He is a member of the Iranian Academy of Arts and of the Iranian Academy of Sciences, Founding member of Islamic Manuscript Association and honorary member of All India Arts and Crafts Society. He has to his credit seven books and over 100 published articles in Persian, English and Urdu.
In 1997 he was made a Member of UNESCO’s First International Team of Buddhist Studies.He has been engaged in teaching art, History of Art, Philosophy of Islamic & Oriental Arts, Perennial Philosophy, and Comparative Studies in Religious and Sacred Art and Architecture since 1982.
In 2001 he moved to Malaysia and from that time he is professor of indology, Islamic & oriental Arts in Kuala Lumpur, Melbourne & Tehran.
/ AREAS OF SPECIALISATION & SCHOLARLY INTERESTS
/ TECHNICAL & PERSONAL INTERESTS
/ LANGUAGES
Persian (mother tongue): professional fluency in literary & classical Persian
Arabic: reading ability & some oral facility
Turkish: reading ability in Ottoman Turkish, & oral facility in colloquial Azerbaijani dialect.
Urdu: reading and oral fluency.
Hindi: oral facility & ability to consult sources
Sanskrit: ability to consult sources.
Malay: basic reading and oral facility
English: professional fluency
/ ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
Doctor of Philosophy – History of Art and Aesthetics
National Museum Institute of History of Art, Conservation and Museology, New Delhi, India
Topic: The Evolution of Islamic Calligraphy in India, with special reference to the Shah Jahan Period
1988
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) – Painting – Drawing
University of Delhi, College of Art, New Delhi, India
Topic of Dissertation: Individuality in Art
1982
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) – Design
(Visual Communication)
University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
1981
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) – Painting
University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
/ FELLOWSHIPS & AWARDS
Fellowship Award, by the Center for the Study of Manuscript Culture of Hamburg University (CSMC) (August –September 2016) to provide consultation on manuscript studies strategies and to undertake Study of Persian and Indian Illustrated Manuscripts Preserved in the Collection of the Hamburg University
2013
MacGeorge Fellowship Award, by University of Melbourne (June –Aug 2013) to undertake an assessment (codicological, contextual and aesthetic) of the Middle Eastern Manuscripts preserved in the collection of the Melbourne University library
Research on Codicological and Artistic Aspects of the Middle Eastern Manuscripts in the Melbourne University Collection
1995-96
Fellowship Award by “UNESCO Hirayama Silk Roads Project” to undertake a research project entitled: “The evolution of Islamic Scripts along the Silk Roads”
US$ 10,000.00 was sanctioned by UNESCO to undertake a field survey of the subject along a major part of the Silk Roads in Iran, India, Pakistan and China
2015
Award & Recognition for publishing 2 books with reputable publishers in 2015, Deputy Rector (Research & Innovation), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Dec 18, 2015
2012
Bronze Medal Award for research entitled “Passage Through Time, Nature & Faith: NOURUZ and the Process of Islamization” presented at IIUM Research, Invention & Innovation Exhibition (IRIIE 2012) on February 2012 at International Islamic University Malaysia Cultural Activity Centre CAC)
2011
Bronze Medal Award for research entitled “Conservational Guidelines for the Restoration of a 17th Century Historical Illustrated Manuscript of Shahnameh” presented at IIUM Research, Invention & Innovation Exhibition (IRIIE 2011) 0n 9th-10th February 2011 at International Islamic University Malaysia Cultural Activity Centre (CAC)
2009
National Award of the ‘Praised Book of the Year’ by Iranian Ministry of Culture for my translation and commentary of Ananda K. Coomaraswamy’s: Christian and Oriental Philosophy of Art
2008
National Award of the ‘Selected Book of the Season’ by Iranian Ministry of Culture for my translation and commentary of Ananda K. Coomaraswamy’s: Christian and Oriental Philosophy of Art
/ RESEARCH GRANTS
Principle Researcher for a project entitled:Translation (from Jawi to Persian) of Asrār al-‘Arifīn, Sharāb al-‘Āshiqīn, and Al-Muntahī, 3 treatises by Hamzah Fansuri (16th Century Malay Mystic)
RM 12,000 was sanctioned by the Cultural Office of Iranian Embassy, Kuala Lumpur
2014-16
Principle Researcher for a project entitled:Role of Islamic Illustrated Manuscripts in Muslim Cultural Heritage and Cross-cultural Understanding: Highlighting ISTAC’s Collection
RM 50,000 was sanctioned by ISTAC, IIUM under ISTAC Research Grant
Duration: 30 months (September 2014 to December 2016)
2012-14
Principle Researcher for a Research Grant Type B for a project entitled:
“Thematic Investigations on Islamic Art & Mysticism”
RM 13,600.00 was sanctioned by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) for a period of one year (July-December 2011)
2011
Principle Researcher for a Research Grant Type A for a project entitled:
“Nouruz: Process of Islamization of a Pre-Islamic Tradition”
RM 5,000.00 was sanctioned by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) for a period of one year (July-December 2011)
2010-11
Principle Researcher for a Research Grant for a project entitled:
“Coomaraswamy’s 14 Essays on Traditional Life, Art and Philosophy: Critical Analysis, and Commentary”
RM 20,000.00 was sanctioned by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) for a period of one year (August 1 2010-July 30 2010)
2010-11
Principle Researcher for a Research Grant for a project entitled:
“Analysis of Two International Symposiums on Mystical Aspects of Islamic Art & Literature”
RM 4,300.00 was sanctioned by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) for a period of 3 moths (15 September 2010- 15 December 2010)
2009-10
Principle Researcher for a Research Grant for a project entitled:
“Conservational Guidelines for the Restoration of a Historical Illustrated Manuscript; Case Study: A17th Century Illustrated Manuscript of Shahnameh
RM 5,000.00 was sanctioned by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) for a period of 6 months (November 2009-April 2010)
2008-9
Principle Researcher for a Research Grant for a project entitled:
“Analytical Study of a 17th century Illustrated Manuscript of Shahnameh, Preserved at the MSS Collection of ISTAC, IIUM”
RM 20,000.00 was sanctioned by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) for a period of two years
2008-9
Principle Researcher for a Research Grant for a project entitled:
“Sino- Arabic Script: An Analytical Study of the Impact of Chinese Calligraphy on Arabic Script. Case Study: The Collection of the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia”
RM 20,000.00 was sanctioned by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) for a period of two years
1998-2000
Principle Researcher for a Major Research Grant for a project entitled:
“Development of a System in Comparative Studies in Art”
Rls 70,000,000.00 (an equivalent of US$ 15,000.00) was sanctioned by the University of Art, Tehran, for a period of 3 years
1997–2001
Principle Researcher for four years to undertake a research and teaching project on “Art Comparative Studies”
/ MEMBERSHIPS & APPOINTMENTS
Member of the editorial board of the journal of the The Islamic Art Association of Iran (IAAI)
2015
Professor of Indian Art & Culture
Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran
2014
Peer Reviewer, KANZ PHILOSOPHIA, A Journal for Philosophy, Mysticism and Religious Studies, Sadra International Institute in Affiliation with Islamic College of Advanced Studies (ICAS)-PARAMADINA
2014
Adjunct Professor, National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (ASWARA) Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia (February 2014 – February 2015)
2010-12
Membership in Research, Publication, Consultancy And Manuscript Committee, International Institute of Islamic Thought & Civilization (ISTAC), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
2010-12
Member of Thesis Committee, International Institute of Islamic Thought & Civilization (ISTAC), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
2010-12
Member of Board of Studies: Master and Doctor of Philosophy in Islamic Thought and Civilization, International Institute of Islamic Thought & Civilization (ISTAC), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
2011-12
Member of International Islamic Heritage & Sustainable Conservation Research Cluster, School of Architecture and Environmental Design, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
2006
Founding Member of The Islamic Manuscript Association (TIMA)
2002
Member of Middle East Studies Association of North America (MESA)
1999-present
Member of the Iran National Academy of Arts
1997–2000
Member of the Iran National Academy of Sciences
1996
Member of International Team, the Buddhist Route Expedition, Nepal
1996
Member of the High Council, Art Planning, Ministry of Culture and Higher Education, Iran.
1991
Honorary Member, All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society (AIFACS)
/ TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Taught:
- Indian Cultural Studies
Professor of Islamic & Oriental Arts,Department of History & Civilization, IIUM, Kuala Lumpur 2015-16
Taught:
- “Introduction to History” (Hist. 1000)
- “Islamic City” (Hist. 6650)
Taught:
- “The Traditionalist School of Thought: Thematic Readings” (6040/ 8040)
- “The Islamic Philosophy of Art” (6014/ 6015)
- “History of Islamic Art I (Architecture & Plastic Arts) (ISTAC 4431)
- “History of Islamic Art II (Calligraphy, Illumination, Painting) (ISTAC 4432)
- “Houses of Worship, Comparative Survey of Temple Architecture in Buddhist, Hindu, Christian & Islamic Traditions”
- “History of Islamic Art’ (IITC 6015/8015)
Visiting Professor
Taught:
- Eclecticism in Islamic Architecture
Taught:
- “History of Islamic Art” (AAD 1230)
- “Islamic Craftsmanship” (AAD 2210)
- “Islamic Calligraphy” (AAD 2110)
Taught:
- “Eastern Art and Civilization”
- “Art and Civilization of Neighboring Cultures”
- “Religious Architecture Fundamentals”
- “Comparative Studies in Art - I”
- “Comparative Studies in Art - II”
- “Language and Expression in Traditional Arts”
- “Symbolism in Art”
- “Art and International Relations”
Taught: (jointly)
- “Comparative Studies in Religious Architecture
Taught:
- “Art Fundamentals”
- “Painting”
Taught:
- “Basic Drawing I”
- “Basic Drawing II”
- “Painting”
Taught:
- “Indian Culture”
- “Indian Art & Mythology”
/ ACADEMIC AND ADMINISTRATIVE POSITIONS
International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC)
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) 2010-2012 2014
Member of Research, Consultancy and Manuscript Committee (Appointment)
International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC)
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) 2011-2012
Editor of Special Issue of Al-Shajarah (Appointment)
Journal of the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC),
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) August 9, 2010
Chairman
2nd International Symposium on Mystical Aspects of Islamic Art & Literature
International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC)
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) July 20-23, 2010
Member of Board of Studies (Appointment by Rector of IIUM)
Programs of Master and Doctor of Philosophy in Islamic Thought and Civilization
International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC)
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) June 16, 2010
Member of ISTAC Manuscript Committee (Appointment)
International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC)
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) June 7, 2010
Member of Research and Publication Committee
The Islamic Manuscript Association (TIMA)
Cambridge University, UK 2007-2010
Editor (Appointment)
ISTAC’s Proceedings of 1st Seminar on Mystical Aspects of Islamic Art & Literature
International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC),
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) September 25, 2009
Main Initiator and Academic Secretary
International Seminar on Mystical Aspects of Islamic Art & Literature
International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC)
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) March 23-27, 2009
Coordinator of Research and Publication
International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC)
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) July 2005 – July 2006
Member of the Advisory Board: Al-Shajarah, Journal (Refereed)
International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC)
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) 2004 –2009
Member of the Advisory Board: Honar Nameh, 1997 – 2008
Quarterly Journal of Arts Research (Refereed)
University of Art, Tehran
Chief Editor: Honor Nameh, Quarterly Journal of Arts Research (Refereed)
University of Art, Tehran 1997 – 2001
Founder/Director: The PhD Program in Arts Research,
University of Art, Tehran 1997 – 2001
Member of Curriculum Development Committee (Visual & Applied Arts):
Ministry of Sciences, Research and Technology, Iran 1997 - 2001
Member of Curriculum Development Committee
(Pre-university Art Education):
Ministry of Education and Training, Iran 1997 - 2001
Head of the Department of “Arts Research”
University of Art, Tehran 1996 – 2000
Senior Advisor
Institute of Visual Media, Tehran 1996 - 1997
Head of the Department of Indian Studies (Art and Mythology)
Iran Culture House, New Delhi, India 1990- 1993
Director of Art Activities, Cultural Studies & Persian Development Program
Iran Culture House, New Delhi, India 1986 - 1990
Member of the Planning Committee, 1984 - 1985
Iranian National Television
Art Advisor and Researcher,
Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults,
Centre of Art Experiments, Tehran 1982 – 1985
/ PUBLICATIONS (Books/ Chapter in Books)
Three Treatises: Asrar al-Arifin, Sharab al-Ashiqin, Al-Muntahi
By Hamza Fansuri (16 Century Malay Mystic)
Joint effort with Leyla H. Tajer: Translated to Persian from Jawi
Publisher: Miras-e Maktoob, May 2018
ISBN: 978-600-203-154-9
“Turquoise: The Colour of Victory” (Introduction to the Volume)
25 Centuries of Persian Architecture, Exhibition Catalogue NO. 3
Publisher: Faam Gallery, London, November 2017
ISBN: 978-0-9956659-3-4
I Have Seen the Paradise: Reflections on the Philosophy of Western, Eastern & Islamic Arts
Publisher: Naghd-e Farhang November 2016
ISBN: 978-600-8405-32-0
Symbolism in Oriental Arts: Vol.5: Gestures & Postures in Buddhist & Hindu Arts
Publisher: MATN Publishing, Iran Academy of Art, Tehran, 2017
The book is the 4th volume of a series under compilation. Each volume is devoted to a certain symbol (animal, plant, human, gestures and postures, tools, etc.) within the religious traditions of the East. The present volume is complemented with some 325 images (line drawings and color plates) and a glossary of technical terms.
ISBN: 978-964-232-251-0
“Openings that Revolutionize Perception” (Introduction to the Volume)
25 Centuries of Persian Architecture, Exhibition Catalogue NO. 2
Publisher: Faam Gallery, London, November 2016
ISBN: 978-0-9956659-0-3
“Persia’s Architectural Identity” (Introduction to the Volume)
25 Centuries of Persian Architecture, Exhibition Catalogue NO. 1
Publisher: Faam Gallery, London, February 2016
Indian Mythology and Art
Publisher: MATN Publishing, Iran Academy of Art, Tehran, 2016
The book is a comprehensive account of Indian mythology and its manifestation in the realm of art compiled in a span of 25 years. It provides a link between India’s faiths and their manifestation in the domain of religious arts and iconography. It is divided into three main parts: Book I = Celestial Deities; Book II = Atmospheric Deities and Book III = Earth Deities. The Book is accompanied with a glossary of technical terms, a comprehensive bibliography, 140 black and white images and line drawings, and 51 color plates.
ISBN: 978-964-232-174-2
Symbolism in Oriental Arts: Vol.4: Water Deities & Mythical Sea Creatures
Publisher: MATN Publishing, Iran Academy of Art, Tehran, 2015-16
The book is the 4th volume of a series under compilation. Each volume is devoted to a certain symbol (animal, plant, human, gestures and postures, tools, etc.) within the religious traditions of the East. The present volume is complemented with some 115 images (line drawings and color plates) and a glossary of technical terms.
ISBN: 978-964-232-217-6
Symbolism in Oriental Arts: Vol.3: Mythical Birds in Buddhist & Hindu Arts
Publisher: MATN Publishing, Iran Academy of Art, Tehran, 2014-15
The book is the 3rd volume of a series under compilation. Each volume is devoted to a certain symbol (animal, plant, human, gestures and postures, tools, etc.) within the religious traditions of the East. The present volume is complemented with some 39 images (including 30 color plates and 9 line drawings) and a glossary of technical terms.
ISBN: 7-195-232-964-978
Symbolism in Oriental Arts: Vol.2: Snake in Buddhist & Hindu Iconography (Book: 73 pages)
Publisher: MATN Publishing, Iran Academy of Art, Tehran, 2012
The book is the 2nd volume of a series under compilation. Each volume is devoted to a certain symbol (animal, plant, human, gestures and postures, tools, etc.) within the religious traditions of the East. The present volume is complemented with some 39 images (including 30 color plates and 9 line drawings) and a glossary of technical terms.
ISBN: 978-964-232-165-0
“Reflections on Indo-Iranian Relations” in Anwar Alam (ed.) India and Iran – An Assessment of Contemporary Relations (pp. 308-322)
New Century Publications, New Delhi, July 2011
ISBN: 978-81-7708-276-0
Traditional Foundations of Art & Life: Reflections on Ananda Coomaraswamy’s Dance of Shiva
(412 pages)
Publisher: MATN Publishing, Iran Academy of Art, Tehran, 2011
ISBN: 978-964-232-092-9
Christian and Oriental Philosophy of Art (Translation and Commentary) 2nd Edition (Book: 224 pages)
The Book was originally written by the famous art historian and Indologist, Ananda K. Coomaraswamy. The translation of the book to Persian includes a comprehensive commentary and a glossary of technical words and mythical names. It is further complemented with 28 illustrations of historical paintings and sculptures.
Published by: The Iran Academy of Art, Tehran, 2010
ISBN: 978-964-8802-88-7
Al-Shajarah Special Issue on Mystical Aspects of Islamic Art & Literature (Editor)
(126 pages)
The volume contains nine papers on various aspects of mystical dimension of Islamic art and literature.
Published: International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC),
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
November, 2010
Symbolism in Oriental Arts: Vol.1 Elephant in Hindu & Buddhist Iconography (Book: 60 pages)
Publisher: MATN Publishing, Iran Academy of Art, Tehran, 2010
The book is the first volume of a series to be compiled. Each volume will be devoted to a certain symbol (animal, plant, human, gestures and postures, tools, etc) within the religious traditions of the East. The present volume is complemented with some 20 images (including 14 color plates) and a glossary of technical terms.
ISBN: 978-964-232-040-0
Trans-Cultural Nature of Islamic Art (Chapter in Book) – pp. 277-306
Islam Hadhari , ed. Mohamed Ajmal b. Abdu Razak Al-Aidrus,
Published by: International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC), International Islamic University Malaysia, 2009
ISBN: 978-983- 9379-50-1
“Illustrated Safavid Shahnameh in the Manuscript Collection of the International Institute of Islamic Thought & Civilization (ISTAC), IIUM”, Chapter in a book entitled Congress of Isfahan School, volume I: The Collective Essays on Painting
Published by: The Iran Academy of Art, Tehran, 2008
ISBN: 978-964- 2986-19-4
Christian and Oriental Philosophy of Art (Translation and Commentary) (Book: 224 pages)
The Book was originally written by the famous art historian and Indologist, Ananda K. Coomaraswamy. The translation of the book to Persian includes a comprehensive commentary and a glossary of technical words and mythical names. It is further complemented with 28 illustrations of historical paintings and sculptures.
Published by: The Iran Academy of Art, Tehran, 2007
“Postgraduate Studies in Art: An Interdisciplinary Approach” Chapter in a book entitled Postgraduate Education: Trends and Future Directions
Published by: Institute of Postgraduate Studies, University of Malaya, KL, Malaysia 2006
Editors: Norhanon Abdul Wahab, Shaliza Ibrahim, Aziza Hamza, Md Yusoff Musa
“Why Exhibit Works of Art?” Chapter in a book entitled New Gathering and Old Wine: Selected Essays on Philosophia Perenis (Jam’e noe va Mey-e Kohbeh: Majmoo’e Maqalat-e Ashab-e Hekmat-e Khaledeh).
The book comprises 26 chapters (translation of the select works by a number of traditionalists). I contributed to the book through translation and writing commentary (in Persian) on an essay by works by the eminent 19th – 20th century writer Ananda K. Coomaraswamy: the original essay was published in his Christian and Oriental Philosophy of Art.
Published by: The Institute of Research and development of Human Sciences, Tehran, 2005 (1384), pp. 309-343
“Christian and Oriental, or True Philosophy of Art” Chapter in a book entitled New Gathering and Old Wine: Selected Essays on Philosophia Perenis (Jam’e noe va Mey-e Kohbeh: Majmoo’e Maqalat-e Ashab-e Hekmat-e Khaledeh).
The book comprises 26 chapters (translation of the select works by a number of traditionalists). I contributed to the book through translation and writing commentary (in Persian) on an essay by works by the eminent 19th – 20th century writer Ananda K. Coomaraswamy: the original essay was published in his Christian and Oriental Philosophy of Art.
Published by: The Institute of Research and development of Human Sciences, Tehran, 2005 (1384), pp. 343-369
“That Beauty is a State”: Chapter in a book entitled New Gathering and Old Wine: Selected Essays on Philosophia Perenis (Jam’e noe va Mey-e Kohbeh: Majmoo’e Maqalat-e Ashab-e Hekmat-e Khaledeh).
The book comprises 26 chapters (translation of the select works by a number of traditionalists). I contributed to the book through translation and writing commentary (in Persian) an essay by works by the eminent 19th – 20th century writer Ananda K. Coomaraswamy; the original essay was published in his The Dance of Shiva .
Published by: The Institute of Research and development of Human Sciences, Tehran, 2005 (1384), pp.417-439
Introduction to Indian Art (Translation and Commentary) (Book: 216 pgs)
The Book was originally written by the famous art historian and Indologist, Ananda K. Coomaraswamy. The translation of the book to Persian includes a comprehensive commentary and a glossary of technical words and mythical names. It is further complemented with over 70 illustrations of historical paintings and sculptures.
Published jointly by: Iran Academy of Art and Rowzaneh Publishing, Tehran, 2003
Water: The First Element (84 pgs)
Author of the main body of the text comprising six chapters as follows:
- Waters of Life
- Waters of Purification
- Waters of Emotion
- Waters of Transformation
- Water and Woman
- Waters of Destruction
National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, 2003
The Silk Roads, Highways of Culture and Commerce
I contributed a chapter entitled:“Silk Roads’ Spiritual Identity: A Historical Overview of Buddhism and Islam”,
UNESCO Publishing, New York / Oxford, 2000
The Sacred Art of Marriage – Persian Marriage Certificates of the Qajar Dynasty (100 pgs, large format)
Publisher: Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, 2000.
The Evolution of Art through History, Volume I – Art of the Ancient Civilizations (155 pgs)
Publisher: Ministry of Education, Iran, 1999.
The above volumes were commissioned by Iran’s Ministry of Education as text books for pre-university students who wished to major in the fine arts in university level.
The Evolution of Art through History, Volume II – Art of the Middle Ages to the Modern Era (230 pgs)
Publisher: Ministry of Education, Iran, 1998.
The above volumes were commissioned by Iran’s Ministry of Education as text books for pre-university students who wished to major in the fine arts in university level.
Noor-AlQuran (The Light of the Quran)
Co-Author
Publisher: Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, 1999
Secrecy of Indian Myths – Vedic Gods (360 pgs)
Publisher: Fekr-Rooz Publishing, Tehran, 1998
The Shah Jahan Nama of Inayat Khan: An Abridged History of the Mughal Emporer Shah Jahan (Translated to English) (Member of Translation Board).
Published by: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0195624890 / 9780195624892 / 0-19-562489-0
This is a major translation project of an important historical source from 17th century India, (written in classical Persian, Mughal style), based on collected materials from several museums/archives.
Indo-Iranian Cultural Relations, World Heritage
Contributed a chapter entitled: “Nature, Man and Art: An Irano-Islamic Perspective”
Publisher: Culture House of the I. R. Iran, New Delhi, 1994
/ PUBLICATIONS
(Academic Papers and Articles in Journals & Proceedings)
An Investigation into Āmulī's Manuscript of Nafāis al-Funῡn fī 'Arā'is al-'Uyῡn
Al-Shajarah, Journal of the International Institute of Islamic Thought & Civilization (ISTAC), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), 2020 Volume 25, Number 1, pp….. (ISI & Scopus indexed)
ISSN: ……….
Under publication
“Form and Content: A Historical and Artistic Assessment of a 17th Century Illustrated Manuscript of Shahnameh from S.M.N.A Library, Malaysia”
Al-Shajarah, Journal of the International Institute of Islamic Thought & Civilization (ISTAC), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), 2018 Volume 23 Number 1, pp. 41-66 (ISI & Scopus indexed)
ISSN: 1394-6870
“Science of the Self as Depicted in the Story of the Snake-Catcher: Rūmī’s Mathnawī in Context”
Kanz Philosophia, A journal of Islamic Philosophy &Mysticism, Sadra Islamic College for Advanced Islamic Philosophy Volume 6 Number 1, June 2016
ISSN Print: 2442-5451 ISSN Online: 2407-1056
“Rise of Eclecticism in the 21st Century Malaysian
Mosque Architecture”
PLANNING MALAYSIA: Journal of the Malaysian Institute of Planners
Volume 15, issue 1, 201, pp. 295-304 (scopus indexed)
ISSN: 1675-6215
eISSN: 0128-0945
“Leading a Moderate Life: Guidelines from Rumi”s Mathnawi”
Maulana Rumi Review, Volume 7, 2016, pp. 161-174
ISSN: 2042 3357
ISBN of vol.7: 978-190-1383-52-2
“The Story of Creativity: From Divine Act to Creative Industry”
Penguilmuan Seni Dan Industri Kreatif, National Academy of Art and Cultural Heritage (ASWARA), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, December 2016, pp. 34-47
ISSN: 978-983-2538-31-8
“Noruz: Treading Time, Nature, Faith and Culture”
Kanz Philosophia, A journal of Islamic Philosophy &Mysticism, Sadra Islamic College for Advanced Islamic Philosophy Volume 5, No. 1, Issue June 2015 (actual Publication February 2016), pp. 1-18
ISSN: 2442-5451
“Emergence of Eclecticism as Style: New Approaches to Mosque Architecture in Malaysia”
Firooze Islam, Journal of Research on Islamic Architecture and Urbanism, Volume 1, No. 1, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Issue 14, June 2014, pp. 25-32
ISSN: 2383-0247
“Ramadhan at MacGeorge House: Letter to a Friend”
University of Melbourne COLLECTIONS, Issue 14, June 2014
ISSN 1835-6028 (print)
ISSN 1836-0408 (online)
“In the Presence of Tradition: An Account of Traditional Art”
Online publication http://www.bookcity.org/ (2014)
“Metaphors of Music & Dance in Rumi’s Mathnawi”
KATHA, Official Journal of The Centre for Civilizational Dialogue, Universiti Malaya, Volume 8, 2012 (late publication 2014), pp. 1-14, ISSN 1823-2159
“Reviving Tradition in Islamic Built Environment: An Assessment of Pirnia’s Proposed Principles”
Joint effort with Tayebeh Goodarzi
Conference Proceeding, International Conference On Architecture And Built Environment 2013 (Icabe2013), Redefining the Concept of Islamic Architecture and Built Environment, 7-8 November 2013
Published by Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design International Islamic University Malaysia Copyright©2013 Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design, (pp. 292 – 299)
e-ISBN 978-967-0621-01-2
“’The Mystical and Physical Splendor of Tayyeb Salih’s THE WEDDING OF ZEIN”
Joint effort with Lateef Kayode Adeyemo
The International Journal of Arts, Culture & Heritage (IJACH), Volume 2, 2013, ASWARA, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, pp. 1-20,
Kuala Lumpur, ISSN 2289-3121
“From Superman to Superior Man: Anthropology of Perfection in Traditional Cosmology”
Kanz Philosophia, A journal for Philosophy, Mysticism and religious Studies, Volume I, Number 2, August-December 2011, pp. 51-75, Sadra International Institute in Affiliation with Islamic College for Advanced Studies (ICAS)- PARAMADINA, Jakarta, ISSN 2088-8511
“Islamic Initiation of a Pre-Islamic Myth: From Shahnameh to Rostamnameh” in Proceedings of the International Conference on Commemorating Ferdowsi: Shahnameh in the 2nd Millennium, Under the Supervision of Dr. Maryam Khalili Jahantigh, Volume 4, pp.3848-3872, ISBN of the Volume: 978 964 392 768-4, ISBN of the Set: 978 964 392 769-1
“Caravansarais: Landmarks of Trade and Sites of Cultural Dialogue”
Joint effort with Soodeh AlamshenasHamedani
in ICUDBE 2011 Sharing The World MUSAWAH (International Conference on Universal Design in Built Environment, edited by: Asiah Abdul Rahim, Published by KAED Universal Design Unit , International Islamic University Malaysia, 2011, ISBN: 978 9833 142156, pp. 413-426
Sufi Sama and the Cosmology of Mandala
International Mevlana Symposium Papers, Volume 3, pp. 1557-1583
Motto Publication 2007 project, Istanbul
Actual Printing 2010
ISBN: 978 -605-61104-0-5, pp. 1559-1583
Ethics and Aesthetics: An Oriental Point of View
Khiyal, the quarterly journal of the Iranian Academy of Arts, No. 23-24, Autumn - Winter 2008, (Late Edition published in January 2010) pp. 4-23
Formation of Sino-Arabic Calligraphy along the Silk Route: An Interdisciplinary Study
Al-Shajarah, Journal of the International Institute of Islamic Thought & Civilization (ISTAC), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), 2009 Volume 14 Number 2, pp. 243-262
Nature in the Oriental Arts: A Study of Coomaraswamy’s Perspective
The Collection of Essays of the Congress: Nature in Oriental Art, Iranian Academy of Art, Spring 1338 (May 2009), Iranian Academy of Art, Tehran
ISBN: 978-964- 232-017-2
Sufi Sama and the Cosmology of Mandala
Al-Shajarah, Journal of the International Institute of Islamic Thought & Civilization (ISTAC), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), 2008 Volume 13 Number 2, pp. 179-209 (delayed publication)
The Persian Tradition of Marriage Documentation: Pre-Islamic & Islamic Marriage Contracts
Al-Shajarah, Journal of the International Institute of Islamic Thought & Civilization (ISTAC), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), 2007 Volume 12 Number 2, pp. 143-160 (delayed publication)
Esoteric Buddhism and Islamic Mysticism: An Interdisciplinary Overview of the Sacred Arts and Mystical Literature, in:
Esoteric Buddhist Studies: Identity in Diversity (Proceedings of the International Conference on Esoteric Buddhist Studies), March 2008, Koyasan University, pp. 381-398
Religious Art as Reflected in the Ancient Indian Sources and Ananda K. Coomaraswamy’s Writings
Khiyal, the quarterly journal of the Iranian Academy of Arts, No. 20, Winter 2007, pp. 4-23
Ananda Coomaraswamy’s Perception of ‘Form’ and Artistic Perfection
Khiyal, the quarterly journal of the Iranian Academy of Arts, No. 18, Summer 2006, pp. 68-75
Nasta’liq Dialect: A Comparative Analysis of Persian Calligraphy in Iran and Indian Subcontinent
Golestan-e Honar, Biannual journal of the History of Iranian Art and Architecture, Published by ‘Iran Academy of Art’, No. 2 Autumn 2005-Winter 2006, pp. 116-125
Collection Management of Islamic Heritage
In Accordance with the Worldview and Shari’ah of Islam
Conservation of Living Religious Heritage, ICCROM CONSERVATION STUDIES 3, 2005, International Centre for the Study of Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property, Rome, Italy, pp. 94-101
Religion, Media and the Question of Authority
Asia Media Summit (2005), Annual Journal of ‘Asia-Pacific Institute For Broadcasting Development’, Autumn 2005, pp. 97-105
Mudrā: The Symbolism of Hand Gestures in Buddhist Iconography
Honar-Nameh, Quarterly Journal of Arts Research, University of Art, Tehran, Summer 2004 , Vol. 7, No. 23, pp. 16-29
Alam, Manusia dan Seni: Tinjanan Seni Islam di Dunia Persia (Translated to Indonesian)
Islamia, NO. 1&2, June-August 2004 , Indonesia
“Buddhist Architecture and its Symbolic Aspects: Part II, ‘Chaitya’ and ‘Vihara’”
Khiyal, the quarterly journal of the Iranian Academy of Arts, No. 10, Summer 2004
“Buddhist Architecture and its Symbolic Aspects: Part I, ‘Stupa’”
Khiyal, the quarterly journal of the Iranian Academy of Arts, No. 9, Spring 2004
“Myth and Time in the Mirror of Ancient Indian Beliefs”
Ketab-e Mah: The Arts, No: 61- 62, Tehran, September – October 2003
“Sacred Art and the Silk Roads” Traditions: A Search for Common Grounds” (English)In the volume: “Papers of the “UNESCO International Symposium on the Silk Roads, Xian” November 17-22, 2002
“Mandala: Manifestation of Supernatural World in Indian Sacred Arts” (Persian)
Faslnameh-i- Honar, The Art Quarterly, New series, No: 46, Winter 2001
“Manifestation of Mandala in Traditional Iranian Architecture and Music” (Persian)
Honar Nameh, Quarterly Journal of Arts Research, University of Art, Tehran, Autumn 2001
“Contemporary Iranian Art” (English)
Introduction to the catalogue: ‘A Breeze from the Gardens of Persia’
(Published in conjunction with the traveling exhibition of Iranian Contemporary Art in the USA from 2001-2003, Inaugurated in Washington DC, April 2001)
“Methodology of Research and Displaying of Historical Paper Objects” (Persian)
Honar Nameh, Quarterly Journal of Arts Research, University of Art, Tehran, Summer 2001
“Reflections on Islam & Modern Life by Dr Seyyed Hossein Nasr” (translated to Persian)
Saye-e-Tooba: The essays published in conjunction with the 1st painting Biennial
of the Islamic World Conference, Museum of Contemporary Arts, Tehran, November 2000
“Islamic Art: Its Contribution to the Hindu Scriptures” (Persian)
Saye-e-Tooba: The essays published in conjunction with the 1st painting Biennial
of the Islamic World Conference, Museum of Contemporary Arts, Tehran, November 2000
“The Archetypal Woman in Mythological and Religious Arts” (Persian)
Honar Nameh, Quarterly Journal of Arts Research, University of Art, Tehran, Summer 2000
“Reflections on the Art Theories of Ananda K. Coomaraswamy” (Persian)
Art edition, Journal of National Academy of Sciences, Iran, Autumn & Winter 2000
“Mahatma: The Great Spirit” (Persian)
Ayene-e Hind,The Cultural Journal of Indian Embassy, Tehran,1999
“Evolution of Buddhist Figurative Art along the Silk Roads” (Persian)
Honar Nameh, Quarterly Journal of Arts Research, University of Art, Tehran, Autumn 1999
“From Cyrus to Ashoka: A Comparative Study of Ancient Arts and Beliefs of Persia and India” (Persian)
Honar Nameh, Quarterly Journal of Arts Research, University of Art, Tehran, Autumn 1998
“Traditional Art Within the Academy: A Survey on Art Education in India” (Persian)
Honar Nameh, Quarterly Journal of Arts Research, University of Art, Tehran, Summer 1997
Time and Eternity, I & II (Persian), translation to Persian of an Essay by Heinrich Zimmer
Nameh Farhang, Quarterly Journal of Social & Cultural Studies, 1997
“The Buddha – Ideal or Idol, A Study on the Evolution of Buddhist Iconography” (Persian),
Nameh Farhang, Quarterly Journal of Cultural and Social Studies, No. 22, 1996
“The Divine Savior according to Hindu Cosmology” (Persian)
Kayhan Farhangi, monthly journal of cultural studies, No. 124, 1996.
“Indo-Islamic Architecture: the Confluence of Contradictions”, (Persian)
Nameh Farhang, Quarterly Journal on Cultural and Social Research, No. 20, 1996
“An Introduction to Indo-Islamic Architecture” (Persian)
Nameh Farhang, Quarterly Journal on Cultural and Social Studies, No. 19, 1996
“Traces of Persian Art in the Domain of Indian Culture” (Persian)
Nameh Farhang, Quarterly Journal on Cultural and. Social Studies, No. 18. 1995
“Traces of Persian Art in the Domain of Indian Culture” Part II: Irano- Islamic Elements in Illustrating Indian Scriptures (Persian)
Nameh Farhang, Quarterly Journal on Cultural and. Social Studies, No. 14. 1992
“Islamic Scripts in India, Tuqlaq Period, III” (Urdu)
Rah-e Islam, Monthly Journal of Islamic Culture, New Delhi, 1994
“Islamic Scripts in India, Tuqlaq Period, II” (Urdu)
Rah-e Islam, Monthly Journal of Islamic Culture, , New Delhi, 1993
“Islamic Scripts in India, Tuqlaq Period, I” (Urdu)
Rah-e Islam, Monthly Journal of Islamic Culture, New Delhi, 1993
“Nature, Man and Art: An Irano-Islamic Perspective” (English)
In the volume: PRAKRITI, Man and Nature:, An Integral Vision
Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, New Delhi, 1992
“A Report of the ASHURA PROCESSION in Lucknow” (Persian)
Nameh Farhang, Quarterly Journal on Cultural and. Social Studies, No. 11. 1992
“The Concept of SPIRIT in the Hindu Cosmology” (Persian)
Kayhan-e Farhangi, monthly journal of cultural studies, Tehran, 1992
“Iranian’s Contribution to the Art of Islamic Calligraphy”,
Journal of the Indian Museums, pp. 62-71,
Museum Association of India, New Delhi, 1991,
“Persian Costumes during the Qajar Period” (Urdu)
Rah-e Islam, Monthly Journal of Islamic Culture, New Delhi, 1991
“Persian Costumes during the Safavid Period, II” (Urdu)
Rah-e Islam, Monthly Journal of Islamic Culture, New Delhi, 1990
“Persian Costumes during the Safavid Period, I” (Urdu)
Rah-e Islam, Monthly Journal of Islamic Culture, New Delhi, 1990
“Persian Costumes in the Islamic Era, V” (Urdu)
Rah-e Islam, Monthly Journal of Islamic Culture, New Delhi, 1990
“Persian Costumes in the Islamic Era, IV” (Urdu)
Rah-e Islam, Monthly Journal of Islamic Culture, New Delhi, 1990
“Persian Costumes in the Islamic Era, III” (Urdu)
Rah-e Islam, Monthly Journal of Islamic Culture, New Delhi, 1990
“Persian Costumes in the Islamic Era, II” (Urdu)
Rah-e Islam, Monthly Journal of Islamic Culture, New Delhi, 1989
“Persian Costumes in the Islamic Era, I” (Urdu)
Rah-e Islam, Monthly Journal of Islamic Culture, New Delhi, 1989
“Persian Costumes during the Sasanian Period, II” (Urdu)
Rah-e Islam, Monthly Journal of Islamic Culture, New Delhi, 1989
“Persian Costumes during the Sasanian Period, I” (Urdu)
Rah-e Islam, Monthly Journal of Islamic Culture, New Delhi, 1989
“Persian Costumes during the Ashkanian Period” (Urdu)
Rah-e Islam, Monthly Journal of Islamic Culture, New Delhi, 1989
“Persian Costumes during the Medes Period II” (Urdu)
Rah-e Islam, Monthly Journal of Islamic Culture, New Delhi, 1989
“Persian Costumes During Medes Period I” (Urdu)
Rah-e Islam, Monthly Journal of Islamic Culture, New Delhi, 1989
“Persian Costumes in Ancient Times” (Urdu)
Rah-e Islam, Monthly Journal of Islamic Culture, New Delhi, 1989
“Islamic Calligraphic Art: the TUGHRA Style, II” (Urdu)
Rah-e Islam, Monthly Journal of Islamic Culture, New Delhi, 1989
“Islamic Calligraphic Art: the TUGHRA Style, I” (Urdu)
Rah-e Islam, Monthly Journal of Islamic Culture, New Delhi, 1989
“Islamic Scripts: Decorative Styles, IV” (Urdu)
Rah-e Islam, Monthly Journal of Islamic Culture, New Delhi, 1989
“Islamic Scripts: Decorative Styles, III” (Urdu)
Rah-e Islam, Monthly Journal of Islamic Culture, New Delhi, 1988
“Islamic Scripts: Decorative Styles, II” (Urdu)
Rah-e Islam, Monthly Journal of Islamic Culture, New Delhi, 1988
“Islamic Scripts: Decorative Styles, I” (Urdu)
Rah-e Islam, Monthly Journal of Islamic Culture, New Delhi, 1988
“Islamic Scripts: NASTALIQ Style” (Urdu)
Rah-e Islam, Monthly Journal of Islamic Culture, New Delhi, 1988
“Islamic Script: TALIQ and DIWANI Styles” (Urdu)
Rah-e Islam, Monthly Journal of Islamic Culture, New Delhi, 1988
“The Calligraphic Art of Iran after the Islamic Revolution” (Urdu)
Rah-e Islam, Monthly Journal of Islamic Culture, New Delhi, 1988
“Islamic Scripts: NASKH Style” (Urdu)
Rah-e Islam, Monthly Journal of Islamic Culture, New Delhi, 1987
“Islamic Scripts: THULTH, RAYHAN and TAWQI Styles” (Urdu)
Rah-e Islam, Monthly Journal of Islamic Culture, New Delhi, 1987
“Origin of Writing and the Emergence of Arabic Script” (Urdu)
Rah-e Islam, Monthly Journal of Islamic Culture, New Delhi, 1987
“Individuality in Art, III” (Urdu)
Rah-e Islam, Monthly Journal of Islamic Culture, New Delhi, 1987
“Individuality in Art, II” (Urdu)
Rah-e Islam, Monthly Journal of Islamic Culture, New Delhi, 1987
“Individuality in Art, I” (Urdu)
Rah-e Islam, Monthly Journal of Islamic Culture, New Delhi, 1987
“Art and Religion, II” (Urdu)
Rah-e Islam, Monthly Journal of Islamic Culture, New Delhi, 1986
“Art and Religion, I” (Urdu)
Rah-e Islam, Monthly Journal of Islamic Culture, New Delhi, 1986
/ PRESENTATIONS (Conferences, Seminars & Public Lectures)
Keynote Speaker
Melancholy to Euphoria: How Emotion is Materialized in the Middle Eastern Manuscript
A Symposium organized by Grimwade Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation, University of Melbourne 27-28 June 2018
Devoted Poet, Dedicated Calligrapher: Aesthetic Expression of Religious Emotion in Mulla Hassan Kashi’s Haft-Band
Joint presentation with Leyla H. Tajer
Melancholy to Euphoria: How Emotion is Materialized in the Middle Eastern Manuscript
A Symposium organized by Grimwade Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation, University of Melbourne 27-28 June 2018
Symbols of Creation & Time in Hindu Mythology and Art
Seminar at the University of Gilan, Rasht, Iran, 13 May 2018
Transformation of Mythical Identity to Relugious Identity to Consolidate National Identity: From Shahnameh to Rostamnameh
Seminar at the University of Gilan, Rasht, Iran, 13 May 2018
Symbols of Time & Timelessness in Hindu Mythology and Art
Oriental Research Centre, Iran Academy of Art, Tehran, 15 November 2017
Workshop on Symbolism in Hindu Mythological Art
Oriental Research Centre, Iran Academy of Art, Tehran, 14 November 2017
Symbols of God and Time in Hindu Iconography
Seminar at the Islamic Azad University, Islamshahr Campus, Tehran, 28 October 2017
An Introduction to Ḥamzah Fanṣoūrī’s Asrārul ‘Ārifīn, Sharābul-‘Āshiqīn, Al-Muntahī: A Translation Project in Progress
(co-authored with Leila H. Tajer)
First International Conference: “Civilizational and cultural heritage of Iran and the Malay world; A cultural Discourse,” University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur
11th - 12th February 2017
Islamic Art and it's Trans-religious Nature
International Conference entitled “Immersion in Islamic Art”
Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM), Kuala Lumpur
23-25 January 2017
Ceremonial Colors of Love in Iranian Tradition: Analytical Study of Historical Persian Marriage Contracts”
International Conference: Color in Urban Life: Images, Objects and Spaces
AIC 2016, Centro de Extensión of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile,
18-22 October 2016, Santiago, Chile
Rise of Eclecticism in the 21st Century Malaysian Mosque
International Conference on Architecture And Built Environment 2016 (ICABE 2016):
October 5-6, 2016, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Timeless Wisdom of Myths and Legends: Learning from the Hindu Tale of ‘The March of the Ants’
International Seminar on Cultural and Religious Wisdom, Universiti Islam Malaysia, Cyberjaya, Selangor
27-28 September 2016
Wisdom (Hikmah) as Perceived by Iranian Muslim Scholars: Ibn Sina, Ghazali and Suhrawardi (co-authored with Leila H. Tajer)
International Seminar on Cultural and Religious Wisdom, Universiti Islam Malaysia, Cyberjaya, Selangor
27-28 September 2016
Science of the Self as Depicted in the Story of the Snake-Catcher:
Rumi's Mathnawī in Context (co-authored with Leila H. Tajer)
CAMEA 5th International Conference. ‘Ilm: Science, Religion, and Art in Islam, 20-23 July 2016, Adelaide, Australia
Study of the Motifs on Qajar Marriage Certificates (co-authored with Leila Alhagh)
CAMEA 5th International Conference. ‘Ilm: Science, Religion, and Art in Islam, 20-23 July 2016, Adelaide, Australia
Religious Transformation of Myths for the Consolidation of National Identity: From Shahnameh to Rostamnameh
Seminar at the Islamic Azad University, Islamshahr Campus, Tehran, 24 May 2016
Workshop on Indian Art & Culture: Pre Islamic to Islamic Era
Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran, 24 April –6 May, 2016
Brotherhood & Social Relation: An Exposition of Al-Ghazali’s Doctrine of Brotherhood in Islam
Invited speaker for the Ibadah Camp, Faculty of Architecture and Environmental Design, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
5 April 2016
PERSIAN MOTIF: A Discourse of Formation, Transformation and its Relation to Cultural Identity
Keynote address at the opening ceremony of “Persian Motif” an art exhibition by 8 Iranian Artists
Sutra Gallery, 12 Titiwangsa 3, 53200, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
18 December 2015
Transformation of Malaysia Mosque Architecture after Independence
Lecture series, Department of History & Civilization,
International Islamic University Malaysia\
13 November 2015
Science of the Self: Man & His Animal Faces in Rumi’s Mathnawi
2nd International Conference on Human Sustainability 2015
University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)
19-20 October 2015
Sacred, Religious & Non-Religious In the Islamic Literary & Artistic Tradition
“Religion and Spirituality in Literature and the Arts”: The 17th Annual Conference of the English Department, University of Bucharest, June 4-6, 2015
Malaysian Mosque Architecture: Eclectic Tendencies
Guest Speaker, Islamic Azad University, Islamshar Campus, Iran, May 26, 2015
Marriage & The Story of Marriage Documentation: A visual Journey
Guest Speaker, ISTAC Lecture Series, IIUM Kuala Lumpur Campus, February 11, 2015
Position of Eclecticism in Religious Architecture: An Analytical Study of Malaysian Mosque Design after Independence
Guest Speaker, Art University of Isfahan, Iran, October 8th, 2014
Form, Function and Symbolism: A Survey of Masjid Wilayah, Kuala Lumpur
Guest Speaker, Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia, 9 December 2014
The Story of Creativity: From Divine Act to Creative Industry
Guest Speaker, National Conference Entitled “Intellect, Culture, Art”
National Academy of Art, Culture and Heritage (ASWARA), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 29-31 October 2014
Metaphors of Music & Dance in Rumi’s Worldview
Guest Speaker, National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (ASWARA), Ministry of Tourism and Culture , 464, Jalan Tun Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 7 February 2014)
Eclecticism as Architectural Style: An Assessment of Contemporary Mosque Architecture in Malaysia
Guest Speaker, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, October 29, 2013
Sacred, Religious and Secular in the Context of Islamic Art
Workshop, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, October 29, 2013
Tamed Eclecticism in Mosque Architecture: From Thought top Design
Presentation and workshop for PhD Candidates in Islamic Architecture, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, October 28, 2013
Eclecticism as Architectural Style: An Assessment of Contemporary Mosque Architecture in Malaysia
Guest Speaker, Conference Series on Evaluating History and Theoriesof Art & Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planing, Shahid beheshti University, Tehran, October 26, 2013
Indus Valley Civilization and its Contribution to Indian Art & Culture
Guest Speaker, School of World Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran October 20, 2012
Buddhist Art & Culture of India
Guest Speaker, School of World Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran October 21, 2012
Hindu Art & Culture
Guest Speaker, School of World Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran October 22, 2012
Concept of Avatar: Constant Divine Presence on Earth
Guest Speaker, School of World Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran October 23, 2012
Symbolism in Hindu & Buddhist Art
Guest Speaker, School of World Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran October 24, 2012
In Search for Accurate Transliteration of Indian terms: Theory of Correlation between Styles of Writing & Pronouncing
Guest Speaker, School of World Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran October 25, 2012
Spiritual Dimension of Creative Vision: A Visual Journey
Guest Speaker, Department of Religious Studies, Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand, September 17, 2012
Snake Symbolism in Buddhist & Hindu Iconography
Guest Speaker, Department of Religious Studies, Otago University, Dunedin, New Zealand, September 14, 2012
Sacred, Religious & Non-Religious in the Islamic Artistic Tradition
Guest Speaker, Department of Religious Studies, Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand, September 12, 2012
Art: Being or Doing
Guest Speaker at the Opening Ceremony of “The Malaysia Iran Art Exhibition 2012” (MARIYA 2012) At The National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (Aswara Akademi Seni Budhaya & Warisan Kebangsaan), No 24, Jalan Tun Ismail, 50480, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, April 4, 2012
Spiritual Dimension of Creative Vision: A Visual Journey”
Keynote Address at the “International Conference on “Creativity & the Spiritual Path: Connecting Creative Muslims” held at the Islamic Arts Museum of Malaysia (IAMM), Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, April 7th, 2012
Eclectic Social Identity and Mosque Architecture: Malaysian Case
International Conference on Towards an Understanding of Islamic Built Environment, UniversitasIslam Bandung Indonesia (UNISBA) , 28th -29thMarch 2012
A Decade of Fascinating Experiences in India: Glancing Through My Travelogues
International Seminar on “Reflection of Indian Culture & Civilization in Travelogues”,Centre of Indian Languages: School of Language, Literature and Culture Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, INDIA, (12 -14 March, 2012
Persians’ Contribution to the Enrichment of Art & Culture of Islam
International Conference on The Role and the Contribution of Iranian Nation to Islamic Civilization, Center for the Study of Islam and Society (PPIM) UIN Jakarta
Harun Nasution Auditorium, UIN, Jakarta, March 8, 2012
Islamic Initiation of a Pre-Islamic Myth: From Shahnameh to Rostamnameh
International Conference on Commemorating Ferdowsi: Shahnameh in the 2nd Millennium University of Sistan & Baluchestan, December 24-26, 2011
Revival of Jawi: Preservation of Malay Artistic Heritage and Cultural Identity
Malay Archipelago Heritage Seminar, School of Art Studies, University Malaysia Sabah, 9-11 December 2011
Caravanserais: Landmarks of Trade and Sites of Cultural Dialogue
International Conference on Universal Design in Built Environment (ICUDBE2011)
22nd -23rd November 2011, Cultural Activity Centre (CAC), International Islamic University Malaysia
Metaphoric Treatment of Music and Dance in Rumi’s Mathnawi
International Conference on Jalaluddin Rumi: Present & Past, East & West (Commemorating the 704th Birthday Of Rumi)
September 22, 2011, Centre for Civilizational Dialogue, University Malaya
Evolvement of a Leading Islamic Manuscript Hub in Southeast Asia: ISTAC Manuscript and Rare Book Collection
The Seventh Islamic Manuscript Conference: Islamic Manuscripts In South And Southeast Asia, The Islamic Manuscript Association, Cambridge University, UK, 12–14 July 2011, Magdalene College, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
From Superman to Superior Man: Anthropology of Perfection in Traditional Cosmology
International Seminar on the Anthropology of Transcendental Philosophy: Retracing Human Nature and Transcending the Vision of Humanity Today, Islamic College, Jakarta, Indonesia, 26-27 March 2011
Evolution of Islamic Scripts along the Silk Routes: Analyzing sound-form relationship in Indian Nastaliq and Chinese Sini
International seminar on Silk Route: Connecting Cultures beyond Contemporary Borders, National Museum, New Delhi, 31th Jan -1st Feb 2011
Hindu Faith and Iconography, Public lecture and tour to a group of scholars who came to Malaysia on the occasion of the 2nd International Symposium on Mystical Aspects of Islamic Art & Literature, ISTAC, IIUMBatu Caves, KL, Malaysia, 23 July 2010
Eclectic Style in Mosque Architecture: A survey of Masjid Wilayah, Kuala Lumpur
Public lecture and tour to a group of scholars who came to Malaysia on the occasion of the 2nd International Symposium on Mystical Aspects of Islamic Art & Literature, ISTAC, IIUM
Masjid Wilayah, KL, Malaysia, 23 July 2010
From Pronunciation to Penmanship: Reflections on the Logic and Ethics of Transliteration
Seminar organized by the Azad Islamic University, South Tehran Branch, Faculty of Teachers Training, Tehran, Iran , 26 May 2010
Eclectic Style in Mosque Architecture: A survey of Masjid Wilayah, Kuala Lumpur
Public lecture and tour to a group of Malaysian civil servants, Masjid Wilayah, KL, Malaysia, 28 January 2010
Timeless Contemporality Versus Temporal Companionship: Reflections on Indo-Iranian Cultural Relation
International Seminar of India-Iran Relations in Contemporary Times (1979-2009), Centre for West Asian Studies, Jami Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 3-5 December 2009
Script and the Question of Cultural Identity
13th Biennial Symposium on Literatures and Cultures of the Asia-Pacific Region
International Islamic University Malaysia, 20-23 November 2009
Islamic Architecture in the Indian Subcontinent Seminar at the at the School of Architecture, Beheshti University, TehranMay 13, 2009
Art and the Identity Crisis Seminar at a foundation for improvement of quality of life for physically handicapped females, Tehran May 15, 2009
Hikayat Shahnameh: Realization of Idealism
Public Lecture and slide presentation, Lecture Series: International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC), IIUM, April 18, 2008
Islamic Mysticism & Esoteric Buddhism: Reflections on Devotional Art & Literature
Paper presented at the International Seminar on Mystical Aspects of Islamic Art & Literature, International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC), IIUM, Kuala Lumpur, March 23-27, 2009
Music and Sama as Perceived by Maulana Jalal –al-Din Rumi in his Mathnawi
3rd lecture of a Series of lectures entitled ‘Reflections on Rumi’s Mathnawi’, Organized by the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC), IIUM, Kuala Lumpur, March 27, 2009
The Essence of Mathnawi as Reflected in the “Ney-nameh”: The Narrative of the Flute
2nd lecture of a Series of lectures entitled ‘Reflections on Rumi’s Mathnawi’, Organized by the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC), IIUM, Kuala Lumpur, February 27, 2009
Life of Jalal –al-Din Rumi and the Impacts of Shams-e Tabrizi
1st lecture of a Series of lectures entitled ‘Reflections on Rumi’s Mathnawi’, Organized by the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC), IIUM, Kuala Lumpur, January 1, 2009
International Conference of Shiraz School, Art, Literature & Thought during the 7th, 8th & 9th Century Hijri, Iranian Academy of Art, Discussant & Chair Tehran & Shiraz, December 7-11, 2008
Dialogue of Civilizations & Cultural Fusion along the Silk Routes: An Interdisciplinary Study of the Formation of Sino-Arabic Calligraphy
International Symposium on Maritime Communication & Islamic Culture, Quanzhou Maritime Museum, Fujian, China, November 24-28, 2008
Sacred, Religious & Non-Religious in the Islamic Artistic Tradition
Lecture & slide presentation at the “International Symposium on the Care and Conservation of Middle Eastern Manuscripts, Melbourne, November 26-30, 2007
Sacred Art of Islam: An Introduction to Marriage Documentation in the Islamic Tradition
Lecture slide presentation at the “International Symposium on the Care and Conservation of Middle Eastern Manuscripts, Melbourne, November 26-30, 2007
Islamic Art: The Non-Religious Domain An Overview of an Illustrated Manuscript of Shahnameh of Ferdowsi
Lecture & slide presentation at the “International Symposium on the Care and Conservation of Middle Eastern Manuscripts, Melbourne, November 26-30, 2007
Jawi Writing: Artistic Creativity & the issue of Cultural Identity
Lecture & slide presentation at the “International Conference on Islam and the Arts”, Singapore, November 2-4, 2007
The Role of Calligraphy Writing and Miniature paintings in Islamic Art
Opening Remarks at the inaugural ceremony of an art exhibition entitled, “In the Shade Islam” An Exhibition of Traditional Islamic Art of Iran at the Darul Ridzuan Museum, Ipoh, Perak
Malaysia, April 12 -22, 2007
Illustrated Manuscript of Shahnameh (dated 1021AH/1612 CE) in the Manuscript Collection of the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC), IIUM
Lecture & power-point presentation at the “International Conference on School of Isfahan Art, Literature and Thought: From 1000 to 1135 AH”, organized by the Iranian Academy of Art at Tehran & Isfahan (the presentation took place in Isfahan), December 11 – 15, 2006
Jawi and the Issue of Cultural Identity: An Overview of the Origins and Development of Arabic Script
Lecture & power-point presentation at the Regional Conference of “Jawi Writing: History, Art and Heritage”, May 2007, KUANTAN, PAHANG
Symbolism of the ‘Two-World Mandala in Japanese Esoteric Buddhism’
Lecture and power-point presentation
School of Divine Knowledge & Comparative Religious Studies, Azad University, Tehran, Iran, December 18, 2006
Sacred Arts in the Japanese Religious Culture
Lecture and power-point presentation on the sacred arts of Japanese Shingon Buddhism
Tauhid-Khaneh Auditorium, University of Art, Isfahan, Iran, November 2, 2006
An Overview of Koyasan : Understanding Sacred Arts of Esoteric Buddhism
Lecture & power-point presentation at the School of Architecture & Urban Planning, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran November 6, 2006
Sacred Arts & Religious Rites in Japanese Esoteric Buddhism
Lecture & power-point presentation at the School of Applied Arts, University of Art, Tehran, Iran, November 14, 2006
Calligraphy: Art of Devotion
Inaugural speech at the opening of an exhibition of Islamic calligraphic works by four Iranian master calligraphers entitled “Calligraphy: Art of Devotion”, organized jointly by Shah Alam Gallery and Art & Identity at Galari Shah Alam, Yayasan Seni Selangor, Laman Budaya, Persiaran Tasik, Tasik Barat, 4000 Shah Alam, Darul Ehsan Selangor, Malaysia, September 20, 2006
Esoteric Buddhism and Islamic Mysticism: An Interdisciplinary Overview of the Sacred Arts and Mystical Literature
Paper presented at the “International Conference on Esoteric Buddhist Studies in Koyasan, Japan, 5 – 8 September 2006
Art, Media, and the issue of Globalization: An Islamic Perspective
Paper presented at the “International Symposium of Dialogue, Culture and Globalization” University of Mac Bloch, Strasburg, France
22-24 November 2005
“Nature” in the Arts of the East: An overview of Ananda Coomaraswamy’s Perception
Paper presented at the “International conference on Nature in the Oriental Arts”
(December 4 – 8, 2005 Tehran & Yazd, Iran
Contemporary Trends in the Iranian Art of Islamic Calligraphy
Speech at the NN Gallery, Darul Ehsan Selangor, Malaysia
12 November 2005
Calligraphy-Painting: The Latest Artistic Movement in the Domain of Islamic Calligraphy of Iran
Inaugural speech at the Opening of “Dance of the Divine Words”, an Exhibition of Calligraphic Art by three Iranian Masters. NN Gallery, Darul Ehsan Selangor, Malaysia, October 3, 2005
Islamic Art Through the Ages: From Traditional to Contemporary
(A half-day conference on Islamic Art Appreciation)
Lecture and Slide Presentation; Organized by Bank Negara Museum at BN Auditorium, KL, Malaysia, August 10, 2005
Symbolism of Water in the Visual Arts
Lecture delivered at the opening ceremony of the exhibition “Paintings on Water”,
Sutra Gallery, 12 Persiaran Titiwangsa 3, KL, Malaysia
July 7, 2005
Reflections on Contemporary Art
Radio Interview on the occasion of my exhibition of photographs at Sutra Gallery
Light & Easy Radio Station, KL, Malaysia
July 2, 2005
“Religion”, “Media” and the question of “Authority
Paper presented at the Asia Media Summit 2005, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
May 9 – 11, 2005
Art, as Means of Multilateral Dialogue in the Process of Peace
Lecture addressed to representatives on various nations at The United Nations Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland on the occasion of the inaugural ceremony of two exhibitions of mine entitled ART & IDENTITY at the United Nations.
April 4, 2005
Islamic Art of Calligraphy and its Contemporary Trends Department of Islamic Studies, University of Zurich, Switzerland, April 6, 2005
Persian Marriage Contracts: Their Historic, Social, Cultural and Artistic Aspects Department of Islamic Studies, University of Bern, Switzerland
March 30, 2005
Nourooz: Its Historical Roots and Symbolic Rituals
Lecture on the occasion of Iranian New Year Festival, organized by the Iranian Embassy in Bern at the Grand Ball Room of the City Hotel, Bern, Switzerland March 21, 2005
Islamic Architecture and its Symbolic Significance
Lecture and slide presentation at Badan Warisan, 2 Jalan Stonor, KL, Malaysia, organized by “Malaysian Culture Group
March 4, 2005
Spirituality and Symbolism: An Overview of the Paintings by Amir H. Zekrgoo, (English)
“International Conference on the Arts: Symbolism and Spirituality”
Organized jointly by UITM, UM and National Art Gallery, Faculty of Art and Design, August 27-29, 2004
Postgraduate Studies in Art: An Interdisciplinary Approach (English)
“International Conference on Postgraduate Education 2004”
Organized jointly by the Ministry of Education and five Malaysian Universities, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, May 26-27, 2004
The Correlation between Writing Styles (Calligraphy) and Speech Styles (Dialects/Accents) in the Islamic Cultures: An Overview of the Islamic Calligraphic Styles along the Silk Roads (English)
International Colloquium entitled “Word of God – Art of Man: The Qur’an and its Creative Expressions”, Organized by the Institute of Ismaili Studies, The Ismaili Centre, London, 18-21 October 2003
Collection Management of Islamic Heritage in Accordance with the Worldview and Shari’ah of Islam (English)
“ICCROM Forum on Living Religious Heritage: Conserving The Sacred”,
Organized by the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property, Rome, October 20-22, 2003
Religious Symbolism in the Safavid Art (English)
Paper presented in a panel entitled: “Competing Intellectual and Cultural Currents in Safavid Iran” at “MESA” (Middle East Studies Association North America), Washington DC. November 23-26, 2002
Sacred Art and the Silk Roads’ Traditions, A Search for Common Grounds (English)
“UNESCO International Symposium on the Silk Roads 2000”, Xi’an, China
November 18- 21, 2002
Marriage Contracts, Mirrors Reflecting Persian Art, Culture and Literature
“1st National Congress of Iranian Studies”, Tehran, June 17-20, 2002
Mosque of Wazir Khan: A Persian Gem in the Old City of Lahore (Persian)
Second International Conference: “Mosque Architecture”, Kashan, Iran, 2000
Muharram Rituals in the Indian Subcontinent (Persian)
International Seminar of Muharram and the Folklore, Yazd, Iran, 2000
Mother Goddess: The Primordial Woman Manifested in the Religious and Mythological Arts (Persian)
UNESCO International Conference: ‘The Role of Women in the Formation of Non-Tangible Cultural Heritage’, Tehran, Iran, October 1999
Qubbat-al Islam Mosque, The Sprout of the Indo-Islamic Architecture (Persian)
The First International Conference of “Mosque Architecture”, Isfahan, Iran
October 1998
The Evolution of Buddhist Iconography along the Silk Roads (Persian)
UNESCO International Seminar on “Archaeology of the Silk Roads”, Tehran, Iran, Autumn 1997
Styles of Islamic Calligraphy and their Relation to the Regional Dialects (Persian)
International Seminar ‘Calligraphic Art in the Islamic World’, Museum of Contemporary Art, Tehran, Iran, Summer 1996
Man, Nature and Art: An Irano-Islamic Perspective (English)
International Conference: “Prakriti, Man and Nature, an Integral Vision”, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Delhi, India, 1992
Hindu Mythology: Gods of the Vedic Age (Persian)
Conference Series: “Indo-Iranian Cultural Relation”, the Iranian Cultural Centre, New Delhi, India 1992
The Day of Judgment from the Hindu View Point (Persian)
Conference Series: “Indo-Iranian Cultural Relation”, Iranian Cultural Centre, New Delhi, India, 1992
Saints of India: The Cheshtis, II (Persian)
Conference Series: “Indo-Iranian Cultural Relation”, Iranian Cultural Centre, New Delhi, 1991
Saints of India: The Cheshtis, I (Persian)
Conference Series: “Indo-Iranian Cultural Relation”, Iranian Cultural Centre, New Delhi, 1991
/ FORTHCOMING BOOKS
A compilation of over 40 research papers by international scholars
Under review for publication
Symbolism in Oriental Arts (Volume 6): Geometric and Cosmic Symbols in Buddhist and Hindu Arts
Early phase of compilation: aimed at publishing it with MATN, Official Publisher of the Iranian Academy of Art, Tehran
Translation & commentary (into Persian) of Hinduism, by Arvind Sharma.
Under publication by the Iran Research Institute of Philosophy (IRIP)
Translation & commentary (into Persian) of Myths and Symbols in Indian Art and Civilization Symbolism in Oriental, by Heinrich Zimmer, edited by Joseph Campbell
Last phase of translation; aimed at publishing it with MATN, Official Publisher of the Iranian Academy of Art, Tehran
/ UNPUBLISHED WORKS
Iranian Cultural Centre, New Delhi, 1992
Teaching Adolescent Art (Translated to Persian)
Commissioned by: Center for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults, Tehran, for research purposes, 1985
Teaching Art in the Elementary School (Translated to Persian)
Commissioned by: Center for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults, Tehran, for research purposes, 1985
Islamic Patterns (Translated to Persian)
Commissioned by: Center for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults, Tehran, for research purposes, 1984
Art Fundamentals, Theory & Practice (Translated to Persian)
Commissioned by: Center for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults, Tehran, for research purposes, 1984
/ THESES SUPERVISION
TOPIC: A Comparative Study of Status of Women in Ancient Zoroastrian & Hindu Traditions, in Ancient Iran and India
Student: Elnaz Mohamedi Shobeiri (Tehran University)
Status: Successfully defended, 2017
MA:
TOPIC: The Art of Making Beads of Faith with Reference To Buddhism,
Christianity and Islam: Historic Evolution and Suggestive Significance.
Student: Clara Elizabeth Tan
Status: Successfully defended, 2016
PhD:
TOPIC: Mughal Miniature Painting: An Analytical Study of the Translated-Illustrated Manuscripts of the Rāmāyana
Student: Ramin Hajian Fard
Status: Successfully defended, 2016
MA:
TOPIC: Aiding Learning of Juvenile Delinquents Through the Use of Drama: A Study of a Female Youth Rehabilitation Centre in Singapore
Student: Haseena Abdul Majid
Status: Successfully defended, 2016
MA:
TOPIC: Imam Jazuli’s Dala’il al-Khayrat wa Shwariq al-Anwar: An Analytical and Comparative Study of Six Manuscripts Preserved in the Collection of the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
Student: Nurul Iman Binti Susli
Status: Successfully defended, 2015
PhD:
TOPIC: The Ingredients, Stages And Experience of Love: A Parallel Exposition of
Jalaluddin M. Rumi and Ananda K. Coomaraswamy
Student: Leila HajiMehdi Tajer
Status: Successfully defended, 2014
MA:
TOPIC: Form, Function & Meaning of Windows: An Analytical Study of Islamic Monuments of Isfahan (17th To 19th Centuries)
Student: Tayebeh Goodarzi
Status: Successfully defended, 2014
MA:
TOPIC: Artistic Analysis of Qajar Marriage Contracts
Student: Leila Alhagh
Status: Successfully defended, 2013
MA:
TOPIC: Malaysian Eclectic Social Identity And Its Reflection On Art & Architecture: Case Study, Masjid Wilayah
Student: Soudeh Alamshenas-Hamedani
Status: Successfully defended, 2013
MA:
TOPIC: Sino-Arabic Calligraphy: Forms, Functions and Aesthetic Values
Student: Han Rui
Status: Successfully defended, 2017
MA:
TOPIC: Island of Hormuz, Study of Its Economy during 14-16 Century
Student: Taregh Mahyaei Dargahani
Status: Successfully defended, 2017
PhD:
TOPIC: Conservation, Restoration and Display Techniques of Malay Songket Textile in Malaysia
Student: Mina Janpour
Status: Successfully defended, 2018
/ ART EXHIBITIONS
Solo Exhibition 1991
Sponsored by Czech Ministry of Culture and Iranian Embassy, Prague
INDIA
Solo Exhibition 1993
I.C.C.R Gallery, New Delhi
Seventh International Triennial of India 1992
Rabindra Bhawan Gallery, New Delhi
All India Fine Arts Exhibition 1990
AIFACS Gallery, New Delhi
All India Exhibition of Water Color 1990
All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society, AIFACS Gallery, New Delhi
Solo Exhibition 1989
All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society, AIFACS Gallery, New Delhi
International Graphic Art Exhibition 1989
Hosted by the All India Fine Arts & Crafts Society, Lucknow
International Graphic Art Exhibition 1988
Hosted by the All India Fine Arts & Crafts Society, Chandigarh
Group Show 1986
Triveni Kala Sangam, New Delhi
IRAN
Solo Photography Exhibition 2008 Photographic exhibition consisting of 31 images on the theme “Water” taken
on the course of 7 years in 7 countries was organized by Marlik Art Gallery
in Yazd, December 7- 26, 2008
Exhibition of Shahnameh Illustration: 2008
Exhibition of the Images of the illustrated pages of a ISTAC’s Shahnameh
On the occasion of the International Conference on Shahnameh Illustration, organized by the Iranian Academy of Art, at the Aseman Cultural Centre, Tehran, an exhibition was held. In this exhibition, examples of contemporary masterpieces of Shahnameh illustration were exhibited. I presented a paper in the aforesaid conference introducing the artistic aspects of an illustrated manuscript of Shahnameh that is preserved in the Library of the International Institute of Islamic Thought & Civilization (ISTAC) and at the same time, with the help & support of the Iranian Academy of Art, organized an exhibition of photographs of the 29 illustrations pages of the manuscript.
Tehran, May 14-16, 2008
Solo Photography Exhibition 2007 Photographic exhibition consisting of 45 images on the theme “Water” taken
on the course of 7 years in 7 countries was organized by Isfahan Museum of
Art, Isfahan, October-November 2007
“The First Element” 2005-2006
A Photographic exhibition consisting of 45 images on the theme “Water”
This exhibition was organized on the occasion of
“International conference on Nature in the Oriental Arts”
December 2005 – January 2006, Saba Gallery, Tehran
Solo Exhibition: “Memories from India” 1988
Haft Samar Gallery, Tehran
Group Show, Art Professors of the University of Art 1998
Honar Gallery, Tehran
Solo Exhibition: “Faces and Places Along the Silk Roads” 1997
On the occasion of the International Seminar on the
“Archaeology of the Silk Roads”
Organized by UNESCO at the IRIB International Center, Tehran
Group Show 1985
Museum of Contemporary Arts, Tehran
Group Show 1983
Museum of Contemporary Arts, Tehran
MALAYSIA
Word as Art: Group Exhibition of Iranian Master Calligraphers 2014
White Box Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, June 2017
PERSIAN MOTIF
Exhibiting and Co-curating an art exhibition by eight Iranian artists 2015-2016
Sutra Gallery, Kuala Lumpur
18 December 2015 to 8 January 2016
Group Show with the theme “Migration” 2014
Cube Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
30 October to 13 November 2014
Langkawi Art Biennale 2014
Langkawi, Malaysia
12-21 October 2014
Art-Malaysia Art Tourism Fair 2014
Viva House, Kuala Lumpur,, Malaysia
14-17 August 2014
Art Expo Malaysia 2013
Matrade Exhibition & Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur
19-22, September 2013
Art Expo Malaysia 2012
Royal Patron DYTM TuankuSyed Faizuddin Putra Ibn TuankuSyed Sirajuddin Jamalullial, and DYTM Tuanku Hajja Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil the Crown Prince and Crown princess of Perlis, Malaysia
Matrade Exhibition & Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur
27-30 September 2012
The Malaysia Iran Art Exhibition 2012” (MARIYA 2012)
Participation in a group art exhibition by artists from Malaysia and Iran
Also gave opening speech at the inaugural ceremony entitled Art: Being or Doing
“The National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (Aswara Akademi Seni Budhaya & Warisan Kebangsaan), No 24, Jalan Tun Ismail, 50480, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, April 4, 2012
Art Expo Malaysia 2011
Officiated by DYTM TuankuSyed Faizuddin Putra Ibn TuankuSyed Sirajuddin Jamalullial, the Crown Prince of Perlis, Malaysia
Matrade Exhibition & Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur
28 October – 1 November 2011
Ramadan Holy Qur’an: Islamic Art and Calligraphy Exhibition 2011
Organized jointly by The Cultural Centre of the Embassy if IR Iran, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), Azad Islamic University, Malaysia-Iran ,
Sirat Foundation,
Venue: Exhibition Hall No.2, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) Malaysia
13-23 August 2011,
Contemporary Islamic Calligraphy Art: Masters from Iran 2011
Organized jointly by Shamseh Art Centre (Iran), Art & Identity (Malaysia)
Venue: NN Gallery, 53A & 56 Jalan Sulaiman 1, Taman Ampang Hilir,
Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
30 July – 22nd August 2011
Iranian Contemporary Art (Group Exhibition) 2011
The exhibition comprised over 60 pieces of art works (Painting,
photography, pottery, etc.) by some 20 Iranian artist resident in Malaysia
Organized by Cube Gallery: International Creative Art Centre
At 63-B, Jalan Mamanda 9, Taman Dato Ahmad Razali, Ampang Point
68000 Ampang, Selangor, Malaysia
22 January – 4 February 2011
Mysticism of Water (Solo Exhibition) 2010
The exhibition comprised 37 pieces of my art works (photography)
Held in Conjunction with the 2nd International Symposium on
Mystical Aspects of Islamic Art and Literature, organized by
the International Institute of Islamic Thought & Civilization (ISTAC)
of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
from 20th to 23rd July 2010. Officiated by the Dean of ISTAC
Date: 19th-29th July 2010
Al-Asma Al-Husna: A Solo exhibition of Calligraphy-paintings 2009
(Solo Exhibition)
The exhibition with 16 pieces of my art works (calligraphy-painting)
in mixed media was held in the International Institute of Islamic
Thought & Civilization (ISTAC) of the International Islamic University
Malaysia (IIUM)
November 23 – December 6, 2009
Al-Asma Al-Husna: A Solo exhibition of Calligraphy-paintings 2009
(Solo Exhibition)
The exhibition with 18 pieces of my art works (calligraphy-painting)
in mixed media was held in the International Institute of Advanced
Islamic Studies
November 23 – December 6, 2009
Al-Asma Al-Husna: A Solo exhibition of Calligraphy-paintings 2009
(Solo Exhibition)
The exhibition with 20 pieces of my art works (calligraphy-painting)
in mixed media was held in Masjid Omar in Bukit Damansar,
KL on the Occasion of Nuzul Al-Qur’an
May 13, 2009
Al-Asma al-Husna:
Solo Exhibition of Calligraphy-paintings
In this exhibition 23 of my artworks (calligraphy-painting) on the theme
‘Attributes of Perfection’ (Al-Asma Al-Husna) executed in different calligraphic styles namely Kufic, Naskh, Thulth, Nasta’liq were displayed.
The exhibition was officiated by His Majesty Al-Wathiqu Billah Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah, The Yang di-Pertuan Agong XIII of Malaysia at the Residence of the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Country Heights.
23 February-18 March 2008
In the Shade of Islam:
Exhibition on Calligraphy and Iranian Contemporary Art
The exhibition displayed around a hundred museum quality artifacts including
Calligraphy, Miniature Painting, Pottery, Carpet, Tile work, etc.
I participated with 15 artworks of calligraphy-painting on the theme ‘Attributes of Perfection’ (Al-Asma Al-Husna) executed in different calligraphic styles namely
Kufic, Naskh, Thulth, Nasta’liq
Museum Darul Ridzuan, Ipoh, Perak
April 12 -22 2007
Calligraphy: Art of Devotion
Works by four Iranian Master Calligraphers: Ali Shirazi, Sedaghat Jabbari,
Mohammad Heidari and Amir H. Zekrgoo
In this exhibition a total of 78 artworks were displayed, 25 of which belonged to me.
Organized jointly by Shah Alam Gallery and Art & Identity
Galari Shah Alam, Yayasan Seni Selangor, Laman Budaya, Persiaran Tasik,
Tasik Barat, 4000 Shah Alam, Darul Ehsan Selangor, Malaysia
September 18 – November 9, 2006
Dance of the Divine Words:
An Exhibition of Calligraphic Paintings by three Iranian Masters:
Sedaghat Jabbari, Ali Shirazi & Amir H. Zekrgoo
In this exhibition a total of 42 artworks were displayed, 22 of which belonged to me.
Organized jointly by NN Gallery and Art & Identity
NN Gallery, Darul Ehsan Selangor, Malaysia
October 2 – November 20, 2005
Paintings on Water: A photographic journey
(Solo Exhibition)
An exhibition of 28 photographs that display a unique visual experience that
take spectator to an illusional realm of reality: they resemble paintings in oil, watercolor, pastel, and other painting mediums and techniques, therefore taking photography to a different level of artistic expression.
Sutra Gallery, KL, Malaysia
July 7- 31, 2005
“Iranian Islamic Art: The Contemporary Masters” 2004
Curator of the exhibition and the keynote speaker at the opening ceremony
The exhibition showcased about fifty pieces of contemporary Islamic Calligraphy
by 8 Iranian masters. Organized by Shamseh Cultural Center at the premises of
the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
Water: The First Element
International Photography Exhibition 0n the occasion of the 10th Session
of The Islamic Summit Conference (11 October – 30 November 2003)
Contributed both as an artist and as the author of the catalogue
Balai Seni Lukis Negara (National Art Gallery), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
SINGAPORE
Contemporary Islamic Calligraphy: Tradition and Innovation 2011
Organized by the Asian Civilization Museum (ACM) Singapore (Shaw Foyer), 18 February - 29 May 2011. It features 27 pieces of contemporary Islamic artworks (3 of which were created by me) from the ACM’s collection and a few ceramic pieces from the Singapore Art Museum. The artworks explore themes of tradition, experimentation, identity and scripture in Islamic Calligraphy.
Switzerland
“Names of the Nameless”, Iranian Art: A different Perspective 2005 (Solo Exhibition)
An exhibition of 35 “calligraphic painting” with the glorious names of Allah,
executed in mixed media, hosted by the United Nations, Geneva, Switzerland
April 4- 22, 2005
“Names of the Nameless”, Iranian Art: different Perspective 2005
(Solo Exhibition)
The above exhibition also traveled to Bern organized by the Iranian Embassy
Bern, Switzerland
March 29 – April 2, 2005
“Water, the Sense of the Essence” 2005
(Solo Exhibition)
An exhibition of some 40 photographs on the moods of water,
Hosted by the United Nations, Geneva, Switzerland
April 4- 22, 2005
“Water, the Sense of the Essence” 2005
(Solo Exhibition)
The above exhibition also traveled to Bern organized by the Iranian Embassy
Bern, hosted by Campus Stalden, Muristrasse 8, 3006, Bern, Switzerland
March 29 – April 2, 2005
United Kingdom
“25 Centuries of Persian Architecture in Watercolour Paintings” 2016
Group Exhibition, 29 November – 4 December 2016
POSK Gallery, 236-246 King St. London W6 ORF
USA
“A Breeze from the Gardens of Persia”: 2001 – 2003
A traveling exhibition of Iranian contemporary art in America
Contributed to the project both as an artist and as the curator of the exhibition
Meridian International Centre, Washington DC
“Persian Traditional & Contemporary Art” 1998
Curator of the exhibition
Organized in conjunction with the U.N. General Assembly, New York
Two Person Show at Johnson Center Gallery 1998
George Mason University, Washington DC
Two Person Show at Casa Hiliana Gallery 1998
Columbia University, New York
Solo Exhibition, at the Art Gallery, School of Fine Arts 1979
University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
Group Show, at the Art Gallery, School of Fine Arts 1978
University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
Group Show, at the Art Gallery, School of Fine Arts 1977
University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
/ ART PROJECTS:
Names of the Nameless 2001- Present
This is a huge art project that started in 2001. It is aimed at producing the 99 names of Allah in the form of “calligraphic painting” in mixed media adopting a variety of styles of Islamic calligraphy.
The Sense of the Essence 2000- Present
A colossal photographic project consisting of pictures on different themes related to water. It is a result if over eight years of photographing water in seven countries. Portions of the works were exhibited at the National art Gallery (Malaysia), Sutra house gallery (Malaysia), and at the United Nations Head Quarter in Geneva, and galleries in Bern, Tehran, Isfahan and Yazd.
The Sense of the Essence 1993
Designed and supervised the execution of the interior of the entire building complex of the Iranian Embassy, at New Delhi. The project involved items made of stone, brick, wood, tile and metal. The interior of the dome was executed in glazed tiles. A colossal mural, made of embossed copper (over 800 square feet large), was designed and executed by me at the main entrance area under the dome