CAIS
The Circle of Ancient Iranian Studies
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The CAIS logo* is depiction of Iranian legend fabulous bird Sên-Murv (Simurgh/Simorgh). The representation of this legendry creature can be found throughout Iranian world.
The mythical bird, Simurgh, was depicted as a winged gigantic creature in the shape of a bird, that can carry an elephant or a camel; a kind of peacock with the head of a dog and the claws of a lion and sometimes it is shown with a human face. Simurgh suckled it's young, due to being part mammal; it has an enmity towards snakes and its' natural habitat is a place with plenty of water.
In one ancient Iranian accounts, the Simurgh, was said to live for 1700 years before plunging itself into flames, and by later accounts is immortal and is said to have a nest in the 'Tree of Knowledge'.
According to Iranian legends it is said that this bird is so old that it has seen the destruction of the world three times over, in which Simurgh has learned so much that it is thought to possess the knowledge of all ages.
Sasanian Iran believed the mythical bird brings imparted fertility to the land and the union between the earth and the sky -- it roosted in the tree of life (Gaokerena), and lived in the land of the sacred Haoma plant, whose seeds could cure all evil.
In later Iranian lore, the Simurgh became a symbol of divinity. Sên-Murv/Simurgh is also in Persian literature identified as Homâ and in Arabic introduced as Rukh.
* Designed by Shapour Suren-Pahlav
Relevant Articles & Essays
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Simorgh; -- an old Persian fairy tale, by Homa A. Ghahremani |
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"History is the Light on the Path to Future" |
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Encyclopaedia Iranica
The British Institute of Persian Studies "Persepolis Reconstructed"
The British Museum
The Royal Asiatic Society
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