Zan-i Īrānī dar āyīnah-yi asāṭīr

This comprehensive examination of women in Iranian mythology stands as a significant contribution to Persian religious and cultural studies, addressing a long-neglected dimension of pre-Islamic Iranian spiritual tradition. Muṣṭafavī's systematic analysis traces the evolution of female representation in Zoroastrian and ancient Persian sources, demonstrating how goddess figures such as Anāhītā held positions of supreme authority in the Iranian pantheon. The work challenges conventional narratives by showcasing the elevated status accorded to women in Iranian mythological consciousness, contrasting sharply with later patriarchal interpretations. Through careful examination of Avestan texts, archaeological evidence, and comparative mythological analysis, the author reveals how Iranian civilisation honoured feminine divinity as fundamental to cosmic order and human prosperity. This scholarly investigation provides crucial insights into the indigenous Iranian worldview before external cultural influences altered traditional gender paradigms, making it an essential resource for understanding the authentic spiritual heritage of ancient Īrān.