A two-volume encyclopedia with 800 articles on the structure and operation of the holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS), has been newly published by Islamic Research Foundation of Astan Quds Razavi.
According to Behzad Nemati, a research fellow of the encyclopedia team, the first phase of this valuable reference work included six subject matters of distinguished men and titles, subjects and occupations, places, written works, exquisite museum items, and the affiliated organizations.
“The next phase comprised of the selection of entries and setting content policies and guidelines for articles,” he said, adding: “Through a lengthy research and study, five thousand subjects were picked as the preliminary list from various sources which were later reduced to 800 entries in alphabetical order for the entire work, after further analysis.”
Stating that the encyclopedia introduces any subject related to Astan Quds Razavi, Nemati said: “Each entry includes the historical background of the subject ever since formation of the holy shrine up to the present. The articles have been developed through fully scientific methods and based on valid historical and contemporary documents, or methodical observations and interviews.”
Imam Reza (AS) holy shrine is one of the largest sacred places in the world and the most ancient endowment establishments in Iran. “In addition to administering the affairs of tens of deputy offices, organizations, institutions and companies, Astan Quds Razavi is in charge of organizing various rites and rituals, maintaining them nonstop since the martyrdom of Imam Reza (AS).
Nemati further noted that historical continuation in administrative order and discipline of the holy shrine and its endowed properties has turned it into one of the most outstanding examples in the history of the world of Islam. “It is undoubtedly one of the best complexes in terms of Islamic architecture.”
Astan Quds Razavi Encyclopedia, in 1300 pages, also includes one thousand photos and documents clearly depicting the holy shrine establishment and Astan Quds Razavi’s performance form its inception to 2016, when late Sheikh Abbas Vaez Tabasi’s period of custodianship came to an end.
Source: en.shafaqna.com
