The online critique and review session for the book Anahita in Ancient Iran was held via Google Meet on Thursday, May 8, 2025, organized by the Azhyar Foundation. The session was chaired by Dr. Esmail Matloub-Kari and featured distinguished speakers including Dr. Abolghasem Esmailpour, Dr. Esmail Sangari, and the book’s author, Dr. Arezoo Rasouli (Talaghani).

Part 1: Dr. Abolghasem Esmailpour’s Remarks

Dr. Abolghasem Esmailpour, a mythologist, author, and professor of Ancient Cultures and Old Iranian Languages at Shahid Beheshti University, analyzed various etymological interpretations of the term “Anahita.” He explained how this epithet of the ancient river goddess gradually replaced her original name and evolved into the primary designation in the Avesta. He also noted sections that could have been expanded in the book, such as discussions on the triad of “Ahura Mazda, Anahita, Mithra” and the insufficient exploration of “the socio-economic context of livelihood” in the worship of this deity. Concluding his remarks, he addressed the survival of Mithraic and Anahita-related beliefs in post-Islamic sects.

Part 2: Dr. Esmail Sangari’s Critique

Dr. Esmail Sangari, a historian and scholar of Ancient World History, Languages, and Civilizations (PhD, Lumière University Lyon 2, France) and faculty member at the University of Isfahan, highlighted editorial shortcomings and proposed additions to enhance the book. His suggestions included:

– Incorporating an article by Louis Vanden Berghe on “Anahita’s Reliefs”,

– Adding a dedicated chapter on “Anahita in Ancient Iranian Art”,

– Dividing the second chapter into two sections for structural balance,

– Standardizing terminology and names throughout the text,

– Including a chapter on “Eras of Monotheism Based on Achaemenid Royal Decrees”.

Both scholars praised the book as a valuable resource for students.

Part 3: Author’s Response

Dr. Arezoo Rasouli (Talaghani), the author, faculty member, and professor of Ancient Iranian History at Shahid Beheshti University, thanked the speakers and organizers. She acknowledged Dr. Esmailpour’s points and accepted some of Dr. Sangari’s suggestions, citing constraints such as “word limits” during the book’s preparation. She pledged to address these issues in a potential second edition.