A renowned expert in ancient Iranian languages and cultures, particularly Old Persian and Middle Persian, who deciphered and translated numerous ancient inscriptions and texts.
Anahit Georgievna Perikhanian was a renowned Soviet-born Armenian academic, celebrated for her profound contributions to the field of Iranology, particularly in Sasanian jurisprudence, history, and society. Her groundbreaking research and expertise in ancient and medieval Iran, as well as her fascination with the intricacies of the Armenian language and its connections to Iranian loanwords, solidified her position as a leading authority in her field.
Perikhanian was born on April 24, 1928, in Moscow, to Georg and Arusyak Perikhanian. She pursued her education in Moscow and later moved to the Armenian SSR, where she attended Yerevan State University. It was during her time at Yerevan State University that she developed a passion for Middle Persian Pahlavi, studying under the tutelage of Rouben Abrahamian from 1945 to 1948.
Perikhanian's academic journey took her to Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), where she completed her postgraduate studies at Leningrad State University in 1951. Her first published article appeared in 1952, marking the beginning of a prolific career in academia. She went on to pursue postgraduate studies under the guidance of Kamilla Trever from 1953 to 1955.
Between 1956 and 1959, Perikhanian worked at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow and its Leningrad branch. Her ascent through the academic ranks began in 1974, when she became a senior research associate, and later, a leading research associate in 1986, at the Department of Ancient Near Eastern studies.
Anahit Perikhanian's pioneering work has left an indelible mark on the field of Iranology, influencing generations of scholars and researchers. Her extensive research and publications have not only shed light on the complexities of ancient and medieval Iran but have also deepened our understanding of the intricate relationships between languages and cultures.
Her legacy extends beyond the realm of academia, inspiring a new wave of scholars to explore the rich cultural heritage of the Middle East and Asia Minor.
In recognition of her remarkable contributions, Perikhanian's doctoral thesis was translated into English twenty-four years after its initial publication, ensuring her work continues to inspire and educate scholars and researchers around the world.
