The Los Angeles Public Library in Westwood and the Marzeporgohar Present:
Remembering Professor Richard Frye Irandoost Professor Richard Frye Jan 10th 1920- March 27th 2014, the most loved and respected Iranologist, who was given the title of “Irandoost” (Lover of Iran) by the great Iranian scholar Deh-khoda, was a true American-Iranian, who was born in Birmingham, Alabama and shall be buried in his beloved ground of Isfahan.
Having dedicated his entire life to studying and teaching about the ancient Iranian sphere of culture and influence, fluent in Persian, Pashto, Russian, German, Arabic, French, Uzbek, and Turkish, extensively familiar with Avestan, Pahlavi, Sogdian, and other Iranian languages and dialects, both extinct and current, he taught at numerous universities including Harvard, Pahlavi University of Shiraz, the Habibiya College in Kabul Frankfurt University, Hamburg University and the University of Tajikistan .
Richard Frye believed that the Jeffersonian model for the United States democracy, the multi ethnic, multi religious and decentralized structure, as well as the secular nature of the American government (separation of Church and State and Freedom of Religion) were directly influenced by Cyrus the great, who was the founder of the first ancient empire, based on justice and freedom for all. A model that empowered all sections of the society alike; a system that Iranian Americans enjoy in the United States today, while dreaming to restore in their home country.
“Irandoost” will be remembered, and his accomplishments shall be reviewed by speakers on:
Wednesday April 23, 2014 at 6:30 P.M. at the Westwood Library.
Address: 1246 Glendon Avenue, Los Angeles