Historical Encyclopedia
The Sasanian Empire (224–651 AD) was a cultural and political center where literacy played an important role. The Sasanian script developed based on various traditions and became a key tool for the transmission of knowledge, administration, and culture.
Literacy in the territory of Iran has ancient roots, tracing back to Sumerian and Akkadian scripts. However, with the arrival of the Achaemenids (558–330 BC), a cuneiform system was introduced. The Sasanian Empire, emerging from the Parthian kingdom, continued the traditions of literacy, adapting them to its needs.
The Sasanian Empire utilized several writing systems. The main ones were:
Pehlevi is not a single system, but a group of related scripts used for recording the Persian language in various dialects. Pehlevi represented an abugida, where consonants were more pronounced than vowels. This facilitated its adaptation to various needs, from literature to official documents.
The systematization of Pehlevi primarily took place in the 4th to 6th centuries. During this time, different dialects emerged, such as "chahar" and "shahrastani," which corresponded to the geographical and social conditions of the empire. Pehlevi was used for both religious and secular texts, including literature, history, and scientific treatises.
One of the key areas of literacy in the Sasanian Empire was religion. Zoroastrianism, as the state religion, stimulated the creation of a large number of texts, including sacred scriptures, commentaries, and treatises. The "Avesta" — the sacred scripture of Zoroastrianism — played a central role in the culture and religious life of the empire.
A significant amount of religious literature was translated into Pehlevi, making it accessible to a broader audience. Sasanian priests actively participated in the creation and dissemination of these texts, which contributed to the strengthening of Zoroastrianism.
The Sasanian Empire became a center of scientific and cultural achievements, where literacy was used to record philosophical, medical, and astronomical treatises. Scholars such as Burhan ibn Shahriyar made important discoveries recorded in Pehlevi.
The literature of the Sasanian period included both original works and translations. During this time, works by Greek and Roman authors were translated, facilitating the exchange of knowledge between cultures. The development of literacy contributed to the creation of a rich literary tradition, including poetry and prose works.
Literacy also played an important role in managing the empire. Administrative documents, including decrees, statutes, and tax records, were written in Pehlevi. This allowed for the effective management of the vast territory and diverse population, including Persians, Arabs, and other ethnic groups.
Writing in Pehlevi facilitated the standardization of administrative processes, which eased communication between various regions of the empire. In this context, literacy became the foundation for maintaining state power and control.
With the fall of the Sasanian Empire in the 7th century and the arrival of Arab conquerors, the use of Pehlevi and other writing systems began to decline. However, the legacy of Sasanian literacy continues to influence contemporary Iranian writing traditions.
The Arabic script that replaced Pehlevi borrowed elements characteristic of Sasanian writing. Many scientific and literary works of the time were translated into Arabic, facilitating the spread of knowledge.
The literacy of the Sasanian Empire was an important tool that contributed to the development of culture, science, and religion. It reflected the complex and diverse nature of the empire, and its legacy continues to live on in modern Iran. The study of Sasanian literacy allows for a deeper understanding of their contribution to the development of civilization and culture in the Middle East.