About Roshan Institute For Persian Studies

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Mission

Roshan Institute for Persian Studies at the University of Maryland aspires to be the premier center for the learning, understanding, and appreciation of Persian culture in the United States. Toward this end, Roshan Institute seeks to provide outstanding course offerings and programs in Persian language, literature, history, and culture; to foster communication and community ties among people of Persian heritage and those interested in Persian studies; and to serve as a model for encouraging intercultural communication among peoples of varying backgrounds.

History

Since its inception, based on the above mission from Dr. Elahé Omidyar Mir-Djalali, Founder, Chair and President of Roshan Cultural Heritage Institute, Roshan Institute for Persian Studies has played a leading role in an effort to support and bring to light 3,500 years of Persian history.

Roshan Cultural Heritage Institute is a nonprofit organization that fosters Persian Studies and supports educational programs promoting Persian language and culture.  In 2007, Roshan Cultural Heritage Institute made a $3 million leadership gift to the University of Maryland College Park Foundation and in 2008, a major and a minor in Persian language and studies were developed. As a result, the existing four year old "Center for Persian Studies" expanded into the current Roshan Institute for Persian Studies. Academic programs, research, and scholarships on Persian Studies have significantly expanded at the University of Maryland as a result of Roshan Cultural Heritage Institute’s generosity.  

Roshan Institute named endowments are as follows: